Problems and Needs of Relatives and Family Caregivers During Palliative and Hospice Care

Monalisha Padhi, Sandhyarani Mahapatro

Abstract: The emotional and physical toll of caregiving in palliative and hospice settings is often an overlooked reality that deserves deeper attention. This qualitative phenomenological study delves into the lived experiences of family caregivers who support patients with life-limiting illnesses, revealing how the delicate balance between compassion and exhaustion shapes their daily lives. It is evident that these caregivers face intertwined challenges-chronic fatigue, anxiety, financial strain, and social isolation-while struggling to find reliable information and practical guidance. The narratives gathered show how spirituality, peer support, and occasional acts of empathy from healthcare professionals become vital coping anchors. That said, the study also uncovers gaps in existing care structures, where caregivers' voices remain marginalized in clinical decisions. This suggests that nursing practice must evolve beyond patient-centered care to a genuinely family-inclusive approach, where caregivers receive the education, counseling, and respite they rightfully deserve. By integrating such support into nursing policy and training, palliative care can truly embody the principle of holistic compassion-one that sustains not only those nearing the end of life but also those standing steadfast beside them.

Keywords: family caregivers, palliative care, emotional well-being, coping strategies, holistic nursing

How to Cite?: Monalisha Padhi, Sandhyarani Mahapatro, "Problems and Needs of Relatives and Family Caregivers During Palliative and Hospice Care", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1004-1007, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251028130745, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251028130745