Themes of loss and dying in caring for a family member with AIDS.

The study purpose was to provide an in-depth description of experiences associated with loss and dying among AIDS family caregivers. Grounded theory provided the methodological framework for data collection and analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with 53 family caregivers of persons with AIDS and included individuals from family of origin and family of choice. Living with loss and dying was identified as a major substantive category and was further explicated in two subcategories: facing loss and transformed time. Common strategies of caregivers included taking one day at a time, living fully in the present, and actualizing future dreams.