Welcoming Death: Exploring Pre-Death Grief Experiences of Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hovland, Cynthia
• Is Part Of: Journal of social work in end-of-life & palliative care. Volume 14:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 274
• Page End: 290
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Grief/loss -- bereavement -- hospice -- end-of-life -- dementia -- caregiving -- pre-death grief; Social work with the terminally ill -- Periodicals; Social work with older people -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Terminal Care -- psychology -- Periodicals; Palliative Care -- psychology -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2018.1508538
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-4256

Abstract

Abstract: The death of an older adult with dementia often has an uncertain dying trajectory and has been referred to as "the long goodbye." Researchers have found both positive and negative outcomes of pre-death grief for caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses. This qualitative study explored the end-of-life experiences for 36 bereaved family caregivers of older adults with dementia; focusing on understanding their experiences with pre-death grief. These caregivers shared experiences with the phenomenon of "welcoming death" and findings highlighted the primary reasons they anticipated, accepted, or wished for the death of their family member with dementia. With the overarching goal of improving bereavement outcomes and reducing feeling of guilt, inclusion of pre-death grief support services throughout the caregiving process are recommended.