Family caregivers provide more than 80% of the long-term care for elders in the United States and experience a variety of transitions that are intertwined with those of their elders. Previous research on health care transitions documents problems elders and family caregivers encountered following hospitalization, following nursing home admission, and in adjusting to home health care. Little is known about the transition to adult day health services (ADHS). The purpose of this study was (a) to examine family caregivers' perspectives on the transition to ADHS and (b) to develop a situation-specific theory to guide interventions for elders and their family caregivers during the transition. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 family caregivers 1 month and 3 months following the elder's enrollment in ADHS. The constant comparative method was used in analyzing the data. The findings indicate that family caregivers consistently sought what was best for elders throughout the transition.

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Family members provide extensive care to elders in the home. Such care requires a level of knowledge and skill unprecedented by lay people. Yet, the needs of family caregivers often are ignored and the health risks undetected. The purpose of this article is to assist home care nurses in identifying caregivers at risk, assessing family caregiver needs, and intervening to provide necessary resources. Needs are classified according to caregiver role needs and caregiver health maintenance and/or health promotion needs. Resources are identified that home care nurses can use in developing interventions to assist and support family caregivers.

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