原著

Original Article

ハセガワ, キヨミ

positive appraisal of care

elders

nursing care for caregiver

The purpose of this study is to examine aspects of the caregivers' positive appraisal of caring for elderly. In addition, aspects of nursing care required to encourage a positive appraisal of care by the family caregiver are explored. Six caregivers, who had been engaged in the provision of home-care, participated in this study. The researcher visited caregivers in the capacity of public health nurse in order to provide nursing care over a period of 3 to 9 months. Data for analysis was gained through these visits. Aspects of the caregivers' positive appraisal were: 1) care for the patient practiced by the caregiver, 2) physical and emotional health of the care recipient, 3) the relationship between caregiver and care recipient, 4) the relationship between the care recipient and family members, 5) circumstances of medical treatment, 6) professionals who supported the caregiver and care recipient, 7) available resources, 8) caregiver's quality of life, 9) harmonious relationships within the caregiver's family, 10) caregiver's social activities, and 11) acceptance of the death of the care recipient. Nursing care required to encourage the caregiver's positive appraisal was as follows. Firstly, it is to create a situation that is appraised positively, by facilitating the competency of caregiving, the availability of professional support and/or social services and so on. Secondly, it aims to help give the caregiver respite from caregiving, and to ensure all family members support this. Finally, it aspires to promote the caregiver's awareness of positive aspects of care.