The Social Support Requirements of Family Caregivers of Terminal Cancer Patients

Abstract

The family, not just the patient, experiences the impact of cancer (Gray-Price and Szczesny, 1985; Lewis, 1983). When the cancer patient becomes terminally ill and is cared for at home, the family bears a considerable burden for the care. The need for support for the family is apparent; yet, limited documentation describing the nature of that support is available. This study examined the social support required by caregivers in the families of terminal cancer patients. Literature Review Family caregivers of terminal cancer patients face considerable physical and emotional demands in their caregiving role (Holing, 1986). Although they assume responsibility for the patient's physical care, they often lack knowledge about patient care (Rose, 1976; Welch, 1981; and Wilson, 1975). They experience difficulty obtaining the equipment necessary for the job (Rose, 1976; Wilkes, 1984), and confinement to the home as a result of their duties (Stetz, 1987; Welch, 1981). Enacting family roles also pose demands; for example, child care problems and difficulties with transportation may be experienced (Rose, 1976; and Welch, 1981). Other problems include household help, shopping and finances (Googe and Varricchio, 1981; Stetz, 1987).