Family Care Intervention Effect on the Family Support Needs of Residents in Nursing Homes: A Cluster Randomized Trial

Purpose To assess the impact of a home care intervention on the family support needs of nursing home residents through a group clinical trial and blinded outcome assessment. Method A cluster randomized trial was conducted at two nursing homes in Zhengzhou. Each nursing home was randomized to either the intervention or control group. Eighty-two residents were enrolled in the study. Intervention group participants ( n = 41) received a family support intervention, and those in the control group ( n = 41) received the institution's standard daily care routine. The Questionnaire of Family Support Needs; Perceived Social Support Scale; and Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve Index were used to assess post-intervention outcomes. Results There were no significant differences between groups regarding baseline data. There were statistically significant ( p < 0.05) within-subject, between-subject, and interaction effects for both groups regarding family support needs, perceived social support, and family functioning. Conclusion Findings contribute to strengthening the care of residents in nursing homes, indicating the importance of family support, which can positively influence perceived social support and family function. The long-term efficacy of the intervention should be further verified. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 51 (2), 24–31.]