Support Needs for Family Caregivers of Clients With Mental Illness in Iran: A Qualitative Study Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Study finds caregivers of mentally ill need social, emotional support. How can we help? #CaregiverSupport #MentalHealth

Akbari M¹ ; Alavi M² ; Irajpour A³ ; Maghsoudi J⁴ ; Lopez V⁵ ; Cleary M⁶
Source: Issues in Mental Health Nursing Published:2018

Abstract

This paper explored the support needs of family caregivers of people living with a mental illness in Iran. This descriptive study focused on the experiences of 20 family caregivers as well as the views of 29 professional support workers through individual face-to-face interviews. From these interviews three key themes emerged in regards to the care needs of family caregivers: (i) social support; (ii) emotional support; and (iii) safety and security. These themes highlighted the complex role of caring for a family member with a mental illness and the emotional, social and economic challenges that these caregivers experienced as a result. Iranian caregivers garnered support not only from other family members but also from neighbors and religious leaders but lacked the much needed respite care found in western countries. This research study highlighted the importance of ensuring that the caregivers themselves receive appropriate and adequate support to fulfill their caregiving role. © 2018, © 2018 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.