Literature Review of the Factors Concerning Continuing Nursing Care at Home by Family Member

Abstract

Introduction: In Japan, the declining birthrate and aging population have brought about an increase in care needs and changes in the situation of families undertaking long-term nursing care. A survey of published literature on the theme of continuing long-term care was conducted to study the support necessary for continuing long-term care at home.

Method: The relevant articles were extracted using the search term “Continuing long-term care” from Medical Magazine WEB and CiNii Articles. The first phase of the survey involved classification based on methods and target participants, and, in the second phase, the factors of intention to continue long-term care were analyzed.

Results: Among the total of 49 cases selected in the first phase of the survey, 23 (46.9%) were interview surveys, and 41 (83.7%) involved family members of individuals needing long-term care as participants. Although factors such as positive and negative aspects of nursing care, caregiver-care recipient family relationships, and long-term care time were cited, no unified view could be identified.

Discussion: Family caregivers remain central to long-term care, and, since multiple factors intricately affect the outcome in continuing family long-term care, the caregiver will likely need to tailor support according to individual circumstances while considering the continuation factors.