The lived experiences of primary caregivers in caring for a sick member of the family with a life threatening illness

Date of Completion

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Keywords

Caregivers, Terminal Care, Family

Abstract

The study used a phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling technique was used in selection of the respondents composed of ten (10) primary caregivers in the different wards and specialized hospital units in DLSUMC and caring for a sick family member experiencing a life threatening illness such as chronic renal failure, cancer and cerebrovascular attack or stroke and different types of cancer such laryngeal cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer. Data was gathered through interview using tape recorder. Colaizzi’s phenomenological methodology was employed to evaluate and analyze the transcription of the participants’ oral descriptions. The study concluded that, human suffering is indeed a natural phenomenon. Life threatening illness somehow connotes an experience of suffering, pain, and bereavement. No one expects someone to experience this kind of illness. The primary caregiver possesses that one ability which is expected of them to have - caring. This is the most important fact that they have established from the moment they knew the patient's illness up to the present. Caring was the single most important thing that they have created and maintained while the patient was experiencing the illness. This is one of the few things in life that makes life meaningful for a person with a life threatening illness.

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