Caregiver Cafe Providing education and support to family caregivers of patients with cancer

BACKGROUND: The many burdens faced by caregivers of patients with cancer are well documented. Caregivers are asked to perform procedures, make assessments, coordinate care, and communicate with healthcare providers at an increasingly complex level. A caregiver quality improvement project, in the form of a Caregiver Cafe, was instituted at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the cafe are to (a) provide respite and a place for caregivers to relax and be nurtured, (b) provide a place for caregivers to meet and support each other, (c) provide answers to caregiver questions, and (d) recommend appropriate caregiver resources. METHODS:The weekly Caregiver Cafe is led by an advanced practice nurse, and the format varies depending on the needs of the caregivers who attend. FINDINGS: Caregivers have verbalized the importance of the cafe in helping them cope with their loved ones' cancers and treatments, and many attend on a regular basis. The Caregiver Cafe provides support and information and a place to getaway from it all.