Identifying family care process themes in caring for their hospitalized elders.

Little is known about strategies used by family caregivers for their hospitalized elderly relatives. A total of 16 participants were recruited in this qualitative study from two hospitals in the northwest of the United States. Altogether, 25 interviews and 3 participant observations were conducted with hospitalized elders, family caregivers, and nurses. Qualitative analysis based on Lofland and Lofland's approach resulted in the identification of five family care process themes: (a) carrying on, (b) modifying, (c) starting new, (d) sharing, and (e) arranging care for. Understanding how family caregivers provide care can help nurses to work effectively with family caregivers to improve the outcomes of hospitalized elders.