CONCEPT ANALYSIS
Care for carers: A concept analysis of support for carers of ill relatives
Neltjie C. van Wyk PhD, RN, RM,
Corresponding Author
Neltjie C. van Wyk PhD, RN, RM
Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Correspondence Neltjie C. van Wyk, PhD, RN, RM, Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Gezina, Pretoria 0031, South Africa.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorNeltjie C. van Wyk PhD, RN, RM,
Corresponding Author
Neltjie C. van Wyk PhD, RN, RM
Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Correspondence Neltjie C. van Wyk, PhD, RN, RM, Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Gezina, Pretoria 0031, South Africa.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
The aim of the study is to clarify the concept “care for carers,” and enhance our understanding of caring for carers of ill relatives. Healthcare professionals often refer to “care for carers” when discussing methods to support the carers of ill family relatives. These carers do not always receive the support they need. A literature search of electronic databases and search engines, using the keywords carer, caregiver, caring for the carer, caring for the caregiver was done. Peer-reviewed research articles published between 2014 and 2019 and written in the English language were analyzed. Following retrieval, research articles were analyzed to describe the uses, attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of the concept “care for carers.” Research articles describing borderline, related, contrary, and illegitimate examples were included. “Care for carers” addresses the unique support needs of those taking care of ill family members. Carers may derive a sense of empowerment from receiving individualized and proactively rendered support. Carers should be supported to develop control over their circumstances, to find meaning in their caring, to become resilient when experiencing challenges, and to confirm their identity as carers of their ill relatives.
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