Caring for people with spinal cord injuries : a review of the family carer literature

This paper presents some key findings from a more extensive, integrative literature review focusing on the experiences and support needs of long-term family carers of people with spinal cord injury. Considerable quantitative research focusing on the health and quality of life of family carers has been done internationally, yet there is little qualitative research focusing in more depth on how family carers experience their caregiving situations over time in Australia. A literature search was conducted in preparation for a doctoral study in this important area of community-based rehabilitation, and revealed a dearth of research overall into the experiences of family carers of people with spinal cord injury, who are beyond 5 years post injury. Key findings from the literature review were presented to delegates at the 19th annual Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association Conference in October 2009 at the Bayview Eden, Melbourne