Interventions by Rehabilitation Nurse Specialists in the Training of Informal Carers of Older People at Home with Chronic Diseases: A Scoping Review

Ana Rita Bento, Ana Rita Duque, Nelson Gonçalves, Paulo Vaz, Susana Calção, Vanessa Benedito, Rogério Ferreira, César Fonseca and Celso Silva ()
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Ana Rita Bento: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Ana Rita Duque: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Nelson Gonçalves: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Paulo Vaz: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Susana Calção: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Vanessa Benedito: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Rogério Ferreira: Comprehensive Health Research Centre—CHRC-UÉ, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
César Fonseca: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Celso Silva: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 7, 1-15

Abstract: Background: The aging population is increasing, leading to a greater need for home care for older adults, often provided by informal caregivers (ICs). These caregivers face numerous challenges, requiring adequate training and support. Objectives: This study aimed to map the main interventions performed by the Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist in empowering ICs of older adults at home. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search included seven articles published between 2019 and 2024, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, available in the PubMed e CINHAL Ultimate databases. The descriptors used were (Rehabilitation Nursing) AND (Informal Caregivers OR Caregivers) AND (Elderly OR Aged) AND (mentoring OR Training. Results: The RNS interventions focused on training caregivers in technical skills (e.g., positioning, transfers, hygiene care, feeding, medication administration), preventing caregiver burden, managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, promoting self-care, and emotional support. Educational programs and the use of technologies (telehealth) were identified as effective strategies. Conclusions: RNS interventions are crucial for enhancing the skills and well-being of ICs, improving the quality of care provided to older adults at home, and reducing caregiver burden. Person-centered care, continuous support, and recognizing the caregiver’s role are fundamental aspects of these interventions.

Keywords: informal caregiver; rehabilitation nursing; empowerment; older adult; home care; quality of life (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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