Care for informal caregivers, recognizing their needs and ensuring their welfare.

INTRODUCTION: Illness is a test both for those who are suffering and their families. Patients and their beloved ones are going through several stages until they finally accept the disease and try to deal with it. A series of negative effects could rise from care provision only offered to patients, and hence, ignoring the needs and health problems of their caregivers. METHOD: The articles of this review were identified by searching the databases of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar and specific identified articles. RESULTS: Support to the caregivers should be available during all the stages of the disease: a) during the diagnosis, b) at home after treatments, c) during check-ups and d) in the final stage. The primary needs of informal caregivers should include: a) psychological support, b) financial support, c) spiritual support, d) burden relief and e) communication, education and information. CONCLUSIONS: As shown in the collected data, there are many factors that may limit the caregivers" ability to continue providing care to their beloved ones. The caregivers feel responsible for the patients but get tired as the disease progresses. The role of the health care professional is pivotal in all stages of the disease process by supporting both the patient and the caregiver.