Authors (including presenting author) :
LI OT(1), LEE SC(1), ON SL(1), CHEUNG CL(1), CHAN LW(1), CHAN SM(1), CHOY WF(1), TSOI LF(2), YIP SS(2), TANG YM(1), LUI TC(1), LI WH(1)
Affiliation :
(1)KOWLOON HOSPITAL COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE
(2)BUDDHIST HO CHEONG PO NEIGHBOURHOOD ELDERLY CENTRE
Introduction :
The aging population in Hong Kong presents significant challenges for the healthcare system and for caregivers. Caregivers may experience stress due to the ongoing emotional and physical demands of their role, leading to feelings of fatigue, anxiety, and depression. When caregivers struggle to manage this stress without adequate support, they may face caregiver burnout—a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Additionally, caregivers can experience feelings of guilt over their perceived inability to adequately care for their loved ones.
All along, the healthcare system focuses on patients, caregivers would not be the care center. However, caregivers’ support is important for patients’ health. In this connection, Community Nursing Service(CNS) of Kowloon Hospital(KH) conducted a collaboration program “Caregiver Support Program” in community. It aimed at identifying potential care stress and proactively implementing interventions and giving supports to prevent caregiver burnout.
Objectives :
To provide nursing support to caregivers to reduce their stress
To identify elderly’s needs and practical caring skills for caregivers
Methodology :
Through collaboration with a District Elderly Care Centre (DECC) in To Kwa Wan, KH CNS pays joint home visits with social workers to the identified cases. Nurses provided the following interventions to achieve our goals:
1.Assessment of stressors, signs and symptoms of burnout of the identified caregivers
2.Counseling and support for identified caregivers
3.On site health knowledge and skill transfer to the caregivers
4.Ongoing follow-up and nurse consultation
Result & Outcome :
In 2024, 6 cases were identified from the Caregiver Support Program. The caregivers were spouse, children or domestic helpers, which were 2 men and 4 women, who were aged between 40 to 75. In these 6 cases, it was found out that caregivers experienced stress due to knowledge deficits in disease management(100%) and caregiving skills(83.3%), with some refusing to use available social resources(33.3%). Community nurses immediately provided education about disease progression and monitoring. Moreover, nurses demonstrated practical caring skills, including transferring skills and lower limb exercise. In addition, nurses encouraged caregivers to express their concerns and ventilate their feelings. CNS also provided ongoing follow up phone calls to 3 cases and 1 was needed further home visit to see progress. After the above interventions, all identified cases reported satisfaction and expressed positive outcomes.
Conclusion
The collaboration program between the KH CNS and the DECC is effective. Through comprehensive assessment, education, and support, the program empowered caregivers with the knowledge and skills to enhance their caregiving capabilities and reduce stress. The positive feedback from caregivers indicated that the implemented interventions establish a supportive environment. It is essential to continue this collaboration, to support caregivers and enhance the elderly’s quality of life in the community.
