Family caregivers: What do they need? An integrative review

Abstract

Objective: Aimed to identify the main needs expressed by family caregivers in caring for a dependent person. Method: An integrative review of the literature in the period between 2010 and 2015 using specific search engine tools in the EBSCO and SCOPUS databases. Results: 11 articles were selected, and the analysis of the scientific evidence obtained allowed for organizing the results into five thematic areas: transition into care, being responsible for everything, the importance of support, access to formal support, communication and information processes. Conclusion: The results showed that caregivers have many needs in different areas, which should be addressed in nursing interventions.