Competence of Primary Family Caregivers to Care for Terminal-stage Cancer Patients Living at Home

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the competence of primary family caregivers who look after terminalstage cancer patients living at home. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 primary family caregivers who lived at home with terminal-stage cancer patients. Qualitative analysis of the results extracted 9 categories of caregiver competence: to make choices to improve the patient’s quality of life; to make choices to live life without regrets; to make adjustments for family life and caregiving; to be aware of individuals who are prepared to give support; to find access to available social support; to respect the patient’s own pace; to enjoy normal family time and use it as motivation for caregiving; to maintain one’s own peace of mind; and to objectively view caregiving-associated difficulties. Taken together, the results indicate that the competence of family caregivers to provide care for cancer patients comprises their competence to make choices and adjustments for a lifestyle that is desired by both the patient and other family members, their competence to find and utilize available support, their competence to motivatethemselves through their normal family life, and their competence to objectively view their own situation.