Caregiving demands during advanced cancer

Abstract

This descriptive study explored the demands made by spouse caregivers of terminally ill, adult cancer patients. A one-time, semistructured, at-home interview with 65 spouses, was conducted by the investigator. Content analyses of spouse caregiver interviews revealed nine major categories of caregiving demands. The demand reported most frequently (by 69% of the sample) was managing the physical care, treatment regimen, and imposed changes. The two next most frequently reported caregiving demand categories (both reported by 39% of the sample) were managing the household and finances and standing by. The other six categories included alterations in spouse caregiver's well being and patterns of living, constant vigilance, unmet expectations from health care system, cancer itself, anticipating the future, and alterations in relationship with ill spouse. This research provides new information as to the demands experienced by family members who are caring for a spouse with advanced cancer in the home.