Perceptions of Caregiving Experience, Level of Burden, and Sense of Well-Being Among Caregivers of Patients Receiving In-Center Hemodialysis.

Family caregivers are essential to the well-being of patients receiving hemodialysis. Yet poor understanding of caregivers' most pressing needs and factors that adversely affect caregivers impede targeted intervention development. To address this gap, 46 caregivers (38 female, 28 White, 21 spouses/partners, mean age 54 years) of patients from seven hemodialysis centers completed surveys and semi-structured interviews via telephone. Most caregivers denied depressive symptoms and negative impact of caregiving on their self-esteem, but reported adverse effects on their health, schedule, and finances. Greater acknowledgment of the important role of family caregivers, assistance with instrumental activities of daily living, transportation, and resources for education and emotional support may address their most pressing challenges. Age, race, and relationship to the patient influenced caregiver perspectives. Interventions to support these invaluable members of the health care team are warranted.