The Grieving Process of a Family Caregiver: Experience Before Influences What Happens Next—A Grounded Theory

Background/Objectives: Recognizing and managing grief is particularly important in nursing, especially from the perspective of family caregivers. In this qualitative study, we aim to understand the grieving process of family caregivers, focusing on what happens before the death of an adult family member due to chronic illness, and to identify the factors influencing the grieving process in this context. Methods: This study is an outcome of a broader study which aimed to understand how family caregivers grieve during the first year following the death of an adult family member due to a chronic illness. This article will only address the influencing conditions that emerged from data related to events that occurred prior to the person’s death. A theoretical sample was gathered through semi-structured interviews with 20 bereaved family caregivers. Data were collected and then analyzed independently by the research team using the three stages and principles of Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory. Results: Adaptation was identified as the central category. Before death, the family caregiver undergoes two adaptive processes: adapting to their new role and preparing for the imminent loss. As they adapt to this loss, they become aware of the seriousness of the illness and the inevitability of death, opening the possibility for the grieving process to begin. The process is influenced by personal and contextual factors as well as interaction-related factors, including access to information, satisfaction with the care provided, recognition of their efforts, and feelings of abandonment or interaction with healthcare professionals. A wide range of emotions and feelings are experienced. This experience is colored by hope and anticipatory grief. The meaning of the dying process is explored and expectations are redefined. Conclusions: The grieving process experienced by family caregivers is an adaptive process that begins before the patient’s death. Some conditions can be modified before the patient’s death; in this case, nurse interventions can enhance the experience of family caregivers.