Archives of gerontology and geriatrics
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Mar 2010
Importance of end-of-life support to minimize caregiver's regret during bereavement of the elderly for better subsequent adaptation to bereavement.
This study examined whether the quality of end-of-life home medical care affected caregiver's psychological recovery from bereavement. We analyzed survey responses from an anonymous self-administered questionnaire from 147 bereaved family members (caregivers). ⋯ Aspects of end-of-life support that were statistically significant at minimizing regret during bereavement were: (1) fulfilled home medical care service system, (2) peaceful death of the patient, and (3) providing direct care by the caregiver. These findings suggest that end-of-life support to minimize caregiver regret during bereavement was crucial for better subsequent adaptation to bereavement.