Loss and bereavement: HIV/AIDS family caregiving experiences.
The purpose of this grounded theory study was to describe the experience of HIV/AIDS family caregiving in the palliative phase. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed using the constant comparative method. The analysis resulted in a conceptualization of HIV/AIDS family caregiving. This paper describes the "personal work" of caregivers, including reconciling that a loved one would die, making life-and-death decisions, and letting go. The nature of support received to attend to this work is highlighted, with attention to its influences on HIV/AIDS caregiver bereavement. The findings of this study provide some insights into the HIV/AIDS family caregiver experience and reveal a significant need for interventions designed to support caregivers in establishing the mechanisms required for bereavement resolution. The need for the creation of supportive networks for HIV/AIDS caregivers cannot be overstated. Further research is required to help clarify and expand on how social support might have an effect on HIV/AIDS family caregiver bereavement. With this knowledge, health-care providers will be better prepared to anticipate difficulties faced by caregivers, plan appropriate interventions to address these difficulties, prevent future problems, and plan care based on theory and research.
School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
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D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001601:Bereavement; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*