Positive Changes in Caregiving Experiences of Family Caregivers for Long-Term Care Recipients after a Family Counseling Support Program

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of a family counseling program on the family caregivers of long-term care (LTC) recipients after one-year follow-up. Methods: This work was designed as a descriptive qualitative study using focus group interviews to explore the caregiving experience of the family caregivers. Results: The long-term effects of the counseling programs were categorized into five themes: (1) improved caregiving competence, (2) positively-changed caregiving experience, (3) increased social connection, (4) delayed LTC institutionalization, and (5) expecting for continued support. Conclusion: The family counseling program was proved to be effective in the long term through this study. The program should be maintained to sustain the positive effects of the counseling program and also respond to the expectations of the participants.