Characteristics and views of family carers of older people with heart failure.
OBJECTIVE
to explore the characteristics and views of the family carers of older people with heart failure.


METHODS
213 family carers of heart failure patients >60 years were recruited from UK general practitioner (GP) practices. Carer strain, quality of life (QOL) and service satisfaction questionnaires were completed every 3 months for 2 years, as well as 16 interviews with patients and carers, and 9 focus groups with health care professionals.


RESULTS
76% of carers were female, 70% were >60 years and 73% were spousal carers. Predictors of carer strain were symptoms of depression, age and patient NYHA. Predictors of lower QOL were: spousal carer; 2+ health conditions and symptoms of depression. Qualitative findings related to the change in circumstances, impact of responsibilities and health conditions of the family carers.


CONCLUSIONS
carers were mainly older women, often experiencing multiple health conditions. Addressing the practical and emotional support required presents a challenge for specialist palliative care in responding to calls for increased involvement in heart failure. A shared care model with liaison between specialist heart failure nurses, cardiologists, primary care teams and hospice services is advocated.
Barnes
Sarah
S
Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing, University of Sheffield. S.barnes@sheffield.ac.uk
Gott
Merryn
M
Payne
Sheila
S
Parker
Chris
C
Seamark
David
D
Gariballa
Salah
S
Small
Neil
N
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004739:England; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000451:nursing*; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010166:Palliative Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires