Families in supportive care--Part II: Palliative care at home: a viable care setting.

The growth of various palliative care programs is continuing. The family unit is affected by the need for palliative care in one family member. It is critical, therefore, to know what models of palliative care are preferred by families who are experiencing the need for such services. Content analysis of in-depth interviews with eight families (24 members) indicated that families preferred palliative care at home over care in any institution. Five interrelated concepts explained this preference. The ability of families to realize their preference was dependent upon four factors. These concepts and factors are discussed, focusing on resultant implications for practice.