Alterations in Perceptions of Caregiving Demands in Advanced Cancer During and After the Experience

Abstract

Bereaved spouse caregivers (N = 65) studied during the time they were giving care were contacted a minimum of 6 months following the first interview to determine if perceptions of the demands of caregiving had changed over time. Thirty-one participated in the second phase of the study. Although managing the physical care was identified as most difficult during the time of caregiving, reflective thought about the difficulties in caregiving revealed that standing by or observing the slow deterioration of the ill spouse was perceived as most difficult. In addition, over 50% of the caregivers returning the survey at Time 2 reported personal regrets with respect to their ole as caregiver. These people wished they had sought out and utilized more resources to aid them in their caregiving activities. Recommendations for clinical work include: helping the spouses to: (a) recognize their own grief over the losses they incur, and (b) accept assistance from resources outside the home.