Informal Family Caregivers of Dying Cancer Patients- What Kind of Support Do they Need?

Studies have shown great physical and emotional vulnerability among informal family caregivers of dying cancer patients as a result of the demanding care they provide. However, many informal family caregivers find it difficult to locate appropriate treatment services to answer their physical and emotional needs. Thus, the aims of the current study were twofold: 1) to identify informal family caregivers' needs in order to improve ways of intervening during the treatment and also after the death of their relative; 2) to examine the emotional implications of taking care of a dying family member by informal family caregivers. Based on a convenience sample, 48 informal family caregivers, 17 men and 31 women, aged 19-75 years participated. A semistructured questionnaire was used, containing background information on the caregiver and information on treating the patient, quality of the relationship with the sick relative, using formal support, and a hospital anxiety and depression scale questionnaire. Findings indicated that most of the informal family caregivers experienced good feelings about taking care of their dying relative since caring allowed them to feel that they were helping and supporting their relatives and caring for them gave them meaning as well. However, participants expressed relatively high levels of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, participants who received