Families with a terminally ill member. A grounded theory of family relationships.

Abstract

Mrs. A. movedbackto her hometo carefor herterminally ill brother-in-law,with whom shehadenjoyedacloserelationship. However,the two beganto differ in their views of how hiscareshouldbe managed.Mrs. A. reportedthat her brother-in-lawrecently rebuffedher offersof care. She commented,“The hospice nursesprobablythink I’m terrible becauseI don’t helphim, but whenI tried to seehim he got angry; I felt like a failure.” Mrs. B. andher family moved her terminally ill mother-in-law into their home.The experience, althoughdifficult at times,had broughtthe family closer togetherand, in someways hadenhancedcommunications. Sheadded,“The family feelswe are doingthe right thing.” It is clearthe two families