Witnessing the end, supporting the living: A qualitative study of palliative caregiving in end-of-life patients in Türkiye.

OBJECTIVES

Palliative care seeks to enhance the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses and their families by addressing physical, emotional, and psychological needs. This phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of 8 caregivers in palliative care settings in Türkiye, focusing on the challenges they face, the coping mechanisms they employ, and their reflections on the caregiving role. Special emphasis is given to both psychological and somatic signs of stress, along with the possible advantages of body-oriented resilience techniques.

METHODS

Using a phenomenological qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 caregivers providing care to relatives in a hospital-based palliative care unit. Data were collected between February and April 2023 and analyzed through conventional content analysis.

RESULTS

Four central themes emerged from inductive coding: harmony in healing, navigating difficulties, resilience in palliative care, and reflections on the finite. The findings reveal a dual reality: palliative caregivers derive meaning and satisfaction from compassionate connections, high-quality clinical care, and peer support, yet they also endure significant burdens, including emotional strain, physical exhaustion, disrupted daily routines, and shifting relational dynamics. Anticipatory grief and chronic stress responses were prevalent, frequently manifesting in both psychological and somatic forms (e.g., sleep disturbances, muscle tension, and autonomic arousal). Despite these challenges, palliative caregivers employed spiritual beliefs, peer interactions, and self-care routines as resilience strategies.

SIGNIFICANCE OF

RESULTS

The mind-body challenges identified in the study emphasize the need for interventions that focus on self-regulation and resilience, including body-oriented approaches that strengthen internal resources, regulate stress responses, and encourage adaptability. Incorporating such approaches into group-based settings may improve mutual support and enhance both individual and relational well-being. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive, caregiver-centered support systems to reduce burden and improve the overall quality of palliative care.