Chapter 8 family caregivers of veterans: a critical review of the empirical literature and recommendations for future research

Annu Rev Nurs Res. 2014:32:155-202. doi: 10.1891/0739-6686.32.155.

Abstract

In recent years, research on caregiving has grown in both quality and quantity. Caregivers play an important role in supporting and promoting the health and recovery of injured, disabled, and ill family members in their care. Although researchers have made a substantial contribution to our understanding of family caregiving, less is known about family caregivers of U.S. Veterans. The purpose of this review is to identify and evaluate the research surrounding caregivers of U.S. Veterans, particularly two populations of Veterans: those who returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and those who had suffered a stroke. A search of the available literature from 1987 to present day resulted in a review of 18 publications on Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom caregivers and 19 publications on caregivers of Veterans with stroke. We summarize empirical findings, critique the study methods, and provide our recommendations to improve the quality of care of Veterans and their caregivers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Afghan Campaign 2001-
  • Afghanistan
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iraq
  • Iraq War, 2003-2011
  • Male
  • Military Personnel / psychology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / nursing*
  • Stroke / nursing*
  • Stroke Rehabilitation*
  • United States
  • Veterans / psychology*
  • Young Adult