Loss and Grief among Family Caregivers of Relatives with Dementia

Abstract

This study describes family caregiver perceptions of the experience of loss and grief as it occurs prior to and following the death of a relative with dementia. A content analysis was conducted of responses to open-ended questions by a sample of 82 primary caregivers participating in a longitudinal study who had experienced the death of their relative with dementia. Six themes were identified: loss of person and relationship, loss of hope, predeath grief, expectancy of death, post-death relief, and caregiving reflections. Implications for clinical practice and research are presented.