Lorna Rosenwax1, Sarah Malajczuk, Marina Ciccarelli. 1. School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia, l.rosenwax@curtin.edu.au.
Abstract
PURPOSE: When a person is dying and during bereavement, family members often put their lives on hold to provide full-time care. Meaningful activities may be curtailed or forgotten. This study described the activities that changed between pre- and post-caring, and what factors assisted carers to re-engage in activities 2 years following the death of their partners. METHODS: A mixed methods design included a cross-sectional survey and face-to-face interviews. The study occurred in 2009 with 40 females that cared for a partner who had subsequently died of cancer 2 years previously. Engagement in community and other activities was determined through use of the Activity Card Sort-Australia and semi-structured interviews. The SF-36v2 measured physical and mental health status, and perceived social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. RESULTS: Most carers in our study were more engaged in household activities post-caring compared to their pre-caring activities, but had decreased social and leisure activities. Living as a single person meant they had taken on new roles and responsibilities. Leisure and social activities previously associated with subjective well-being and health were reduced or lost. Greater social support contributed to a higher retention of activities post-caring. CONCLUSIONS: Retention of activities could be facilitated by participation in community services, recreational groups and other support and interest groups, both during and after caring.
PURPOSE: When a person is dying and during bereavement, family members often put their lives on hold to provide full-time care. Meaningful activities may be curtailed or forgotten. This study described the activities that changed between pre- and post-caring, and what factors assisted carers to re-engage in activities 2 years following the death of their partners. METHODS: A mixed methods design included a cross-sectional survey and face-to-face interviews. The study occurred in 2009 with 40 females that cared for a partner who had subsequently died of cancer 2 years previously. Engagement in community and other activities was determined through use of the Activity Card Sort-Australia and semi-structured interviews. The SF-36v2 measured physical and mental health status, and perceived social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. RESULTS: Most carers in our study were more engaged in household activities post-caring compared to their pre-caring activities, but had decreased social and leisure activities. Living as a single person meant they had taken on new roles and responsibilities. Leisure and social activities previously associated with subjective well-being and health were reduced or lost. Greater social support contributed to a higher retention of activities post-caring. CONCLUSIONS: Retention of activities could be facilitated by participation in community services, recreational groups and other support and interest groups, both during and after caring.
Authors: Peter L Hudson; Tom Trauer; Suzanne Graham; Gunn Grande; Gail Ewing; Sheila Payne; Kelli I Stajduhar; Kristina Thomas Journal: Palliat Med Date: 2010-07-06 Impact factor: 4.762