Patterns of caregiving when family caregivers face competing needs

'Finding a balance point' is a process used by caregivers to achieve or preserve equilibrium in caregiving while facing competing needs. This paper describes different patterns of 'finding a balance point'. Interviews with 15 family caregivers receiving home nursing services and 14 family caregivers of hospitalized and discharged frail elders were analysed using constant comparison. Sources of competing needs and the strategies used to find a balance point were identified by participants. Findings suggest that caregivers in a stable situation maintain a balance point, caregivers experiencing major family change try to regain a balance point, and caregivers experiencing the transition from hospital to home work at establishing a balance point. These findings can sensitize nurses to family caregivers' needs and conditions.