[Experiences in bereavement care for caregivers].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the mental and physical changes of bereaved caregivers.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
We provided bereavement care to 5 caregivers. It is suggested that in some cases long-term bereavement care is necessary.
Kondo
Fukuji
F
Dept. of Urology, Kensei General Hospital.
Hasegawa
Seiko
S
Mimuro
Akemi
A
Nakajima
Harumi
H
Toyoda
Yoshiko
Y
Uchida
Katsunori
K
Felicia
M W
MW
Francine
G
G
D000368:Aged; D001601:Bereavement; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support