A qualitative study of self-transcendence in caregivers of terminally ill patients

Despite changes in social and cultural structure, the family has remained a consistent provider of in-home care needs for the chronically and terminally ill. The experience of a terminal illness is not limited to the individual patient and creates a myriad of challenges for the family, including the struggle to adjust and respond to the demands of the situation. The purpose of this study was to assess the caregivers' sense of emotional well being and their ability to transcend and find meaning in the caregiving experience. The participants in this study were all caregivers of a family member who had died six to 12 months prior to the interview. They were able to find meaning as a result of their caregiving experience within the context of supportive networks, caregiving actions, grief and loss, fatigue, financial burdens and multiple challenges. Finding meaning involved "being with" or "doing for" their loved one as death approached. Finding meaning had positive consequences for the caregivers. They described a new life view and were able to reach out to help others as a result of their caregiving.