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American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, Vol. 19, No. 5, 315-323 (2002)
DOI: 10.1177/104990910201900507
© 2002 SAGE Publications

Family support for hospice caregivers

Lisa B. Patterson, MSW

Hospice of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa

Lorraine T. Dorfman, PhD

School of Social Work and Aging Studies Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

This qualitative study investigated family supports for primary care-givers of hospice patients, as perceived by both the primary caregiver and other family members involved in patient care. Family support was conceptualized in terms of (1) who offers support; (2) types of support; (3) frequency of support; (4) family communication; and (5) change in family relationship during the caregiving process. Twenty-four interviews were conducted with 10 primary caregivers and six family members identified by the caregiver as the person they could most call on for help. Interviews were conducted shortly after admission to hospice and approximately two months after the death of the hospice patient. Primary caregivers and other family members involved in care agreed that the primary caregiver provided most care. They also agreed that family members provided instrumental and emotional support, the frequency of assistance was appropriate, and families had grown closer since learning of the terminal illness. There was less agreement regarding family communication during the caregiving process. Implications for interventions with families of hospice patients are discussed.

Key Words: caregivers • communication • family supports • family system • hospice • stress


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