Who Is the Family Caregiver?

In this introductory chapter, we learn who the family caregiver (FC) is, what they do, when they do it, and how it affects their lives and patient outcomes. We learn through stories from my years as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), my role as a FC for my mother-in-law when she was hospitalized with urosepsis and heart failure, my father, when he suffered and died from a hospital acquired infection, and my mother, who suffered with dementia and diabetes, and as a nurse scientist in caregiver research. Nurse leaders need to respond to the exponential growth expected in FCs due to the aging population by prioritizing the nursing needs of FCs. Readers are encouraged to complete the reflection/action exercises at the end of the chapter to begin their journey in FC advocacy and support and become knowledgeable of all the resources available to support FCs. It is time for all nurses to acknowledge this vital member of the healthcare team—the FC.