The woman's experience of bereavement: death of a dependent palliated spouse: the older woman's experience of bereavement

As community palliative care services for the elderly increase so too will the demand for appropriate bereavement support. The literature reveals older spousal caregivers are susceptible to bereavement problems, older women are at further risk and that bereavement is affected by the caregiving situation. However, older women carers'' experience of bereavement appears to have been neglected. Therefore, the purpose of this book is to provide a deeper understanding of the meaning of bereavement as it is experienced by three older women who have cared for their palliated spouse. The essence of their bereavement experience highlights the complexities of caring for a palliated spouse and its effect on the bereavement experience.