Original Research Paper

Experiences Of Caregivers Of Terminally-ill Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study

Abstract :

Caregiving is considered a tough job as carers are challenged with care-related problems both from caregiving itself and the patients. In the Philippines, family members are usually seen doing the role for their patients. This study was conducted to determine the experiences and challenges in dealing with and addressing the needs of caregivers of terminally-ill cancer patients. Likewise, it explored the strategies caregivers do to manage the stress encountered in caring the terminally-ill cancer patients. A case study research method under qualitative research was followed in determining the experiences of five (5) caregivers from the selected barangays in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. A self-constructed guide question served as the primary tool in gathering data from the respondents which was held in March 2019. Findings reveal that majority of the respondents took care of their patients for a short duration of 1-4 months. They provided the basic needs of the patients like bathing, feeding, giving medication and changing of diapers. Most of the patients were irritable, and the needed care was offered immediately by the caregivers. The respondents felt that their role as a caregiver is challengingdue to lack of sleep. More to that are the financial difficulties due to the hospitalization and needs of their patients. The respondents have undergone the grieving and mourning process and gradually accepted the death of the patients. As a coping mechanism, the respondents spent their time with their families, and they consider God as their strength and support. Caregiving is indeed a complicated process, yet the caregivers can manage and surpass the challenges encountered while caring for their patients. Families with cancer patients should reflect on the challenges the caregivers go through, not only focusing on the patients as they also need physical, emotional, financial, spiritual and social support.

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