Experiences in bereavement care for caregivers
Kondo, F.; Hasegawa, S.; Mimuro, A.; Nakajima, H.; Toyoda, Y.; Uchida, K.; Felicia, M.W.; Francine, G.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer and ChemoTherapy 29(Suppl 3): 547-550
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0385-0684 PMID: 12536847 Document Number: 544821
To investigate the mental and physical changes of bereaved caregivers. We had 5 patients under residential care (1 with prostate cancer, 3 with urinary bladder cancer and 1 bedridden patient without malignant disease) and one month and one year after their death, we visited their family to provide bereavement care. Before the patient's death, all caregivers were uneasy and confused. At the deathbed, all of them were filled with deep grief and prostration. One month later, unrest and fatigue were reduced, all had the satisfaction of having taken care of their patients. One year later, only grief persisted and prostration was deserved in one caregiver. We provided bereavement care to 5 caregivers. It is suggested that in some cases long-term bereavement care is necessary.