Reliving the Moment of Departure: Post-Caregiving Adjustment After Bereavement

PURPOSE: Family caregiving often ends with the death of the care recipient, yet little is known about how former caregivers reinterpret the final phase of caregiving after bereavement. The current study explored how primary caregivers revisit their caregiving experiences during the first year after caregiving cessation and examined implications for gerontological nursing practice. METHOD: A constructivist grounded theory study was conducted with 11 former informal caregivers recruited through primary health care services in Portugal. Semi-structured interviews were conducted approximately 12 months after the death of the care recipient. Data were analyzed using constant comparison, open and axial coding, memo writing, and theoretical integration. RESULTS: A central experiential process-Reliving the Moment of Departure-emerged, involving repeated reflection on end-of-life decisions, emotional ambivalence characterized by relief and guilt, and disruption of caregiver identity. CONCLUSION: Caregiving cessation represents a vulnerable transitional period, highlighting the need for structured post-bereavement follow up and supportive nursing interventions in primary and community care.