Randomized trial explores associations between support needs and preparedness for caregiving among family caregivers, suggesting improved preparedness through support.
Background: Family caregivers take on substantial caregiving responsibilities and report unmet support needs of their own when caring for a person with life-threatening illness. Aim: To explore self-rated support needs and their association with preparedness for caregiving among family caregivers in specialised palliative home care. Methods: Family caregivers of patients with life-threatening illness were recruited. Family caregivers completed questionnaires at baseline and 4 weeks later, including the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale and the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Family caregivers' ( n =153) support needs varied over time across several domains. Unmet needs were associated with lower baseline preparedness for caregiving, but a greater improvement in preparedness over time. When needs were met, family caregivers showed a significant improvement in their sense of preparedness. Conclusions: Support needs and preparedness for caregiving are closely related. Addressing support needs is important to enhance preparedness.
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Bauman et al. (2026) studied this question.
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