Sarah Brügger1, Adrienne Jaquier2, Beat Sottas2. 1. Sottas formative works, Rue des Epouses 2, 1700, Fribourg, Schweiz. bruegger@formative-works.ch. 2. Sottas formative works, Rue des Epouses 2, 1700, Fribourg, Schweiz.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Taking care of a person at the end of life at home is difficult and challenging. In a qualitative study, the burdens experienced by informal caregivers as well as their coping strategies to face these burdens were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Narrative interviews with 25 informal caregivers were conducted. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a constant comparative approach. RESULTS: Informal caregivers feel tired and overburdened, alone and abandoned, experience grief and fear, feel helpless and experience a feeling of having lost control over their own life. To cope with these stressful emotions, they actively seek help and support, inform themselves and acquire skills and competencies, talk to others, allow themselves time off and emphasize the positive and meaningful aspects of caring for someone at home. CONCLUSION: The burdens experienced by informal caregivers are highly subjective and depend on the coping strategies and the available resources. A main resource is the help and support provided by the informal social network.
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Taking care of a person at the end of life at home is difficult and challenging. In a qualitative study, the burdens experienced by informal caregivers as well as their coping strategies to face these burdens were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Narrative interviews with 25 informal caregivers were conducted. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a constant comparative approach. RESULTS: Informal caregivers feel tired and overburdened, alone and abandoned, experience grief and fear, feel helpless and experience a feeling of having lost control over their own life. To cope with these stressful emotions, they actively seek help and support, inform themselves and acquire skills and competencies, talk to others, allow themselves time off and emphasize the positive and meaningful aspects of caring for someone at home. CONCLUSION: The burdens experienced by informal caregivers are highly subjective and depend on the coping strategies and the available resources. A main resource is the help and support provided by the informal social network.
Entities:
Keywords:
End of life; Health services needs; Interview; Requirements; Resources
Authors: Leticia García-Mochón; Luz María Peña-Longobardo; María Del Río-Lozano; Juan Oliva-Moreno; Isabel Larrañaga-Padilla; María Del Mar García-Calvente Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-11-09 Impact factor: 3.390