In another local exploratory study on 21
informal caregivers of advanced cancer patients at
home 4
, 20 caregivers perceived difficulties in
caring. Four major difficulties were reported,
including (1) relationship with the patient (11/21) (2)
emotional reactions to caring (9/21) (3) physical
demands in caregiving (10/21) (4) restriction in
social life (16/21). Twenty caregivers perceived
home care support from the nurses useful (>
support from family or friends, p=0.003), especially
in the area of information giving, emotional support
and skill training.