Cancer patients at home: needs and coping styles of primary caregivers

Clearly, this group of caregivers were using some problem-oriented coping methods (ie, confrontive in the Jalowiec Scale). Nevertheless, they experienced great concern in dealing with the side effects of treatment and in alleviating the patient's pain. They expressed their anxiety and their fears and their inability oftentimes to cope. They did not utilize community resources and for the most part were isolated in their homes except for those who were employed. There was concern expressed for needing some timeout away from caretaking activities and for keeping their own outlook healthy. The need for personal strength was mentioned often.