Recreating life: toward a theory of relationship development in acute home care

The aim of this research was to explain some processes used by family caregivers and care recipients with acute conditions to develop and maintain satisfying care relationships in home settings. Grounded theory method was used to develop a beginning theory of individual and relationship growth and development. From a sample obtained through two home health agencies, 9 dyads (e.g., care recipient and family caregiver) were interviewed once, 4 dyads twice, and 1 dyad three times. The substantive theory that emerged--recreating life--suggests that caregivers and care recipients respond to disrupted realities caused by illness through redefining self and redefining the relationship. Four mitigating factors affecting the developmental process were identified: (a) prognosis, (b) progress, (c) social support, and (d) professional support.