Old Old Caregivers: A Growing Challenge for Community Health Nurses

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide insights regarding the uniqueness of old caregivers, thereby enabling community health nurses to better understand their special problems and needs. Appropriate and timely interventions by nurses will help keep family units intact and prevent or delay the need for nursing home placement. The authors care for elderly clients as a part of a Council on Aging home nursing support program in a suburban community (Alster & Keshian, 1990). Nine percent of the community's elderly are age 85 and over. The number, frailness, and vulnerability of old caregivers commanded our attention. Several case studies from our practice illustrate old caregiver situations and opportunities for nursing interventions.