接受機關照護個案其家屬亦需專業人員關心

Caring for Families of Institutionalized Clients

台灣地區長期照護機構於近年來快速成長，將個案送入機構接受照顧是家庭處理慢性病危機的一種選擇趨勢。本文藉由文獻查證瞭解家屬送個案入機構的決策過程，發現多半是在沒有選擇下的唯一選擇，且經歷複雜的情緒困擾，並需重新定位自己的角色；個案入住機構之預測因子則包含個案因素，如年紀越大者、身體功能越差者；家屬因素，如自述健康越差、有工作需兼顧、照顧者負荷越大者。個案入住機構後之家屬的反應與結果，包括確實增加閒暇時間、減輕責任與壓力，但仍會執行隱藏式的照顧工作，亦需專業人員的情感支持，期望本文對於將個案送入機構之家屬有更深的認識，進而能在決策前、後給予支持與關心。

The number of long-term care facilities has increased in Taiwan in recent years. As a result, family caregivers have an alternative choice for care of a family member who has a chronic illness. The purpose of this descriptive study was to conduct a literature review to determine the decision-making processes used by families who decide to institutionalize a loved one. Results showed that the decision was usually made at a point when the family caregivers felt they had no other choice and that the decision-making was complex and emotionally difficult. Additionally, another role of continual support emerged as families had to continue to make decisions while the loved one was institutionalized. The predictors for family members admitted to long term care facilities were identified as follows. Prior to admittance to the facility, the older the chronically ill family members, the poorer their physical functions. Also, family members reported that their own health had worsened. They felt more care burden since they had to work and then come home to care for the family member. Post-institutionalization, family caregivers acknowledged more free time, relief from care responsibility, and stress reduction. However, they still needed assurance that their loved one was being cared for and desired and needed support from professional care providers. Findings suggest that professional nurses can assist families to better understand the care of their loved ones who are admitted to long-term care facilities and provide support and care before and after the decision to institutionalize.