The Lived Experience of Bereaved Caregivers: Caring for Loved Ones at End of Life in Rural Ontario Home Settings

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of bereaved caregivers who cared for their loved ones at end of life in rural Ontario home settings. van Manens hermeneutic phenomenology research method was utilized to guide this study and to gain a rich understanding of the lived experience through participants interviews. This studys sample consisted of eight participants from rural locations in the Eastern and Waterloo-Wellington counties of Ontario, Canada. Five themes were uncovered: (1) Facing a Terminal Prognosis and Deciding to be a Caregiver; (2) Being in it for the Long Haul; (3) Drawing on Sustaining Reservoirs; (4) Haunting Concerns and Comforting Memories; (5) Reflecting on an Invaluable Journey.