Family care for the older person with cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the needs of family members of older persons undergoing cancer treatment and to examine the interventions designed to alleviate caregiver distress.

DATA SOURCES

Research studies and published articles.

CONCLUSION

Interventions to reduce distress for caregivers of older persons with cancer have the potential to lower patients' hospital re-admissions and interruptions in cancer treatment and to improve patients' and caregivers emotional health.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology practitioners must consider the needs of family caregivers when planning and implementing interventions to improve or maintain caregiver health.