Importance of end-of-life support to minimize caregiver's regret during bereavement of the elderly for better subsequent adaptation to bereavement.
This study examined whether the quality of end-of-life home medical care affected caregiver's psychological recovery from bereavement. We analyzed survey responses from an anonymous self-administered questionnaire from 147 bereaved family members (caregivers). Questionnaire content included information on the quality of end-of-life home medical care, feelings during bereavement and present feelings. Results showed that caregiver regret during bereavement was significantly associated with present feelings about loss regardless of the length of time after death of a loved one. Aspects of end-of-life support that were statistically significant at minimizing regret during bereavement were: (1) fulfilled home medical care service system, (2) peaceful death of the patient, and (3) providing direct care by the caregiver. These findings suggest that end-of-life support to minimize caregiver regret during bereavement was crucial for better subsequent adaptation to bereavement.
Department of Health Promotion Science, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
Akiko
A
Akiyama
Kumiko
K
Numata
Hiroshi
H
Mikami
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D032722:Advance Care Planning; D000368:Aged; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D006167:Guilt; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires