Caregivers in Death, Dying, and Bereavement Situations

Abstract

This document examines issues related to the work of both formal and informal caregivers as they are involved in caring for dying and/or bereaved individuals. The examination is organized around five central questions: what brings individuals to this work?; what enables them to develop effective caregiving relationships?; what sustains them in their work?; what responsibilities do they have to themselves and to others?; and how are they are influenced by the social context of their work? The goal of this article is to help individuals and teams improve the care they provide in death-related situations, while also assisting educators, managers, and administrators to prepare and support these caregivers in more effective ways.

This article was produced by the “Work Group on Caregivers' Stress” at the meeting of the International Work Group on Death, Dying and Bereavement (IWG) held in Tucson, Arizona, in March 2004. The IWG is composed of clinicians, researchers, and educators from many countries who are dedicated to the development of research, knowledge, and practice dealing with death, dying, and bereavement.

Notes

¹Members of the IWG Work Group:Charles A. Corr (Co-Chair), Donna M. Corr, Connie Goldman, Peter Jupp, Marcia Lattanzi-Licht (Co-Chair), Danai Papadatou (Chair), Mary Fran Rybarik, Jane Skeen, Ruthmarijke Smeding, Barbara Sourkes, and Neil Thompson