Although home care nurses have ample experience in caring for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient, the needs of families and children who are affected by the death of a loved one and parent have not been addressed. The issues confronting families and children include abandonment, anger, despair, loss, sexual abuse, substance abuse, and secrecy. The interventions available to the psychiatric home care nurse include assessment; relationship building; future planning, including making community linkages and providing anticipatory guidance; arranging for respite care; and providing counseling to deal with crises and bereavement issues.
