The Psychosocial Context of Bereavement for Older Women Who Were Caregivers for a Spouse With Advanced Cancer

Abstract

The psychosocial context of bereavement for older women who were caregivers for a spouse with advanced cancer was explored qualitatively with 13 older women. Interviews and diaries were analyzed using constant comparison. The psychosocial context emerged as the intrapersonal : exhaustion, loneliness, pain, and recovering physical health; the interpersonal: finding a new way through both supportive and difficult relationships; and the community/societal: a loss of identity, pressure to move on, financial concerns, and relying on formal supports. The psychosocial context of bereavement for older women who were caregivers is uniquely challenging and must be considered when providing care and programs of support.

KEYWORDS:

• older women
• family caregivers
• bereavement
• psychosocial

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This dissertation research was completed at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing. I would like to acknowledge the support and guidance of my cosupervisors, Dr. Wendy Duggleby and Dr. Lesley Degner, and my PhD committee. With sincere gratitude to the study participants, and to Meredith Wild, Manager of Palliative Services, and Sacha Tegenkamp, Coordinator of Volunteers, with the Saskatoon Health Region, and Eleanor Edwards of the Saskatoon Funeral Home for their assistance in recruiting the participants. Funding for this study was received from Saskatoon Association of Loss, Grief, Education, and Support.

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