Categorizing national caregiver recommendations to support family caregivers and address unmet needs

Recognizing family caregivers as vital providers of long-term assistance to loved ones with chronic illness, several national organizations developed recommendations to improve support for family caregivers.

This article categorizes these recommendations to advance family-centered nursing practice, develop health policies, and advocate for family caregiver support.

Six reports of caregiver recommendations published in the United States from 2016 to 2021 were analyzed using thematic analysis.

The 108 recommendations were organized into five categories: policy; caregiver assessment and support; health professional practices; public awareness; advance care planning.

Ensuring economic security, establishing a national data collection strategy, addressing caregivers' diverse needs, improving access to health care and support services, and increasing public awareness were highlighted.

The recommendations provide a roadmap for nurses at all levels of practice to advocate for a national agenda to develop, fund, and implement inclusive health care policies and interventions to address unmet caregiver needs and maximize support.