Narratives of family caregiving: The process of making meaning

Lioness Ayres, University of Iowa

Abstract

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Further research is clearly indicated to measure, rather than just describe, the components of caregivers' expectations, explanations, and strategies. Such research could identify explanations associated with flexible expectations and successful, good quality strategies, as well as provide clinicians with tools to predict those caregivers at risk for difficulty. Knowledge about caregivers could then be incorporated into interventions for caregivers at risk. Nursing interventions could help caregivers discover new expectations, explain their situations more positively, or find new strategies that both provide more satisfaction and are more consistent with good quality care. Nursing research has particular promise in illuminating this point of view. [CINAHL abstract]