Stress, Coping, and Lived Experiences Among Family Caregivers of Patients on Long-Term Palliative Care

ObjectivesLong-term palliative care places a significant burden on families. However, the effects on those providing extended care remain understudied. This research examined stress, coping, and experiences of family caregivers (FCGs) supporting patients for over 3 months in an Irish palliative care setting.MethodsThe study used a mixed-methods convergent parallel design involving 60 FCGs recruited from institutional hospice, clinic, and community settings. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory to measure perceived stress and coping strategies. A purposive subsample of 8 informal caregivers took part in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsQuantitative data indicated that the FCGs in the study experienced moderate overall stress. Age was a key predictor; younger caregivers reported significantly higher stress. Acceptance was the most common coping style, but avoidant strategies were linked to higher stress. Qualitative themes included "Changing Self," where caregivers shifted from partner to manager, and a state of "Watchful (un)expectancy," marked by ongoing attentiveness. Combined findings suggest that younger caregivers face specific role overload as they juggle employment, childcare, and caregiving. Paradoxically, community-based caregivers employed more problem-focused coping yet showed no statistically significant difference in stress compared with their clinic- and hospice-based counterparts.ConclusionsYounger caregivers and those in community settings are more likely to experience isolation and role conflict. Addressing these challenges requires regular stress screening and targeted interventions, such as remote monitoring and administrative support. These approaches aim to reduce caregiver burden and improve both caregiver and clinical outcomes.