title: A study on caregiver burden: stressors, challenges, and possible solutions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore factors impacting caregiver burden and to explore possible solutions for family caregivers of terminally ill patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of caregivers reported experiencing role conflict and inadequate stress management. Caregivers who worked outside the home, those who cared for two parents concurrently, those with the least amount of outside assistance, and caregivers who spent a longer period of time caregiving reported the highest levels of health problems and overall burden. Caregivers stated a need for more support from Hospice agencies, more education on caregiver training, and more public education about Hospice services. Faith played a positive role in alleviating caregiver burden.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early identification, intervention, education and coordination of services may help to alleviate caregiver burden, which will improve quality of life for both patient and caregiver.
authors.affiliation: Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, 31204, USA. laura_bialon@cox.net
authors.forename: Laura Nelson
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Bialon
authors.forename: Sallie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Coke
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires