Family Caregivers of Terminally Ill Patients at Home: Contributions for a Supervision Model.

Background: Nowadays, family caregivers play a critical role in the support of terminally ill at home. However, there are relatively few supervision models to help nurses in make decisions. Objectives: Contribute to a caregiver supervision model. Methodology: In a prior study, the needs of 10 terminally ill and their caregivers were identified. In the present study, based on a focus group, 8 expert nurses analysed the needs and validated both the functions and the focus of supervision. Results: Data on terminally ill patients confirm the normative function of supervision through the diagnostic criteria for self-care deficit and risks. The formative function of supervision is evident when family caregivers have no knowledge/skills to provide care or are not aware of a problem. Finally, the restorative function concerns the assessment of the caregivers’ physical, emotional and relational capacity, as well as their time and resources available to provide care. Conclusion: The contributions of our study emphasises a 3 function model that covers the needs of terminally ill patients and their family caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]