Finding Purpose in Home Care of an Elderly Family Member with Cancer after their Involuntary Discharge from the Hospital

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the experiences of a family that found its purpose in caring for an elderly family member suffering from cancer, after the patient’s involuntary transfer from an acute care hospital to home care. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 family members. The data were analyzed using continual comparative analysis, a modified grounded theory approach. Results: The family’s “Unintentional wish to care” changed to them ‘Reflecting on caregiving at home’ due to the “Declaration of transfer to place of recuperation” by the doctor. Such reflection developed into their “Determination to care” due to the “Backing of supportive family” and the ‘Support from professional staff.’ A family with “Switch on care” have ‘Found a caregiving pace that does not involve them working too hard,’ and finally obtained a ‘Sense of happiness in the difficulty’ with the ‘Backing of a supportive family’ and the ‘Co-operation of professionals.’ ‘The family bond” was based on this process. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that it is necessary for nurses to understand the apprehensiveness exhibited by family members in providing home care to elderly cancer patients, and discuss it with professional staff to provide the families with reassurance.