Background:

In Germany, nearly 80% of people with care needs receive care at home through relatives. Caregiving is a challenge for family caregivers who must adapt to the needs of their relatives. Many FC reach their limits and need support too. One coping strategy used by FC is spiritual coping. Until now, not much is known about how spiritual coping in FC changes during care.

The following research question was identified: How do the spirituality of FC of individuals with different illnesses and at different stages of illness change in the care process?

Methods:

Within a mixed-methods study, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the spiritual needs and resources from FC and to check whether these change during caregiving. This study has a qualitative descriptive interpretive longitudinal design.

Results:

·      At the beginning of the care situation, the FCs´ focus is on providing care for their relative, so they often neglect their own needs.

·      They often care for their relatives based on their established values. They describe themselves as helpful and responsible or they want to give something back to the person.

·      These reasons are not sustainable in the long term, FC then use spirituality to clarify the meaning of care. In the further course, they tend to regard caregiving as an opportunity to develop themselves: they learn to say no and set boundaries, they learn to appreciate the value of family, time and health more.

Conclusion:

Spirituality is an important dimension that should be given the same attention as the bio-psycho-social dimensions. If spirituality is used as a resource, FC can gain a lot of energy from and find the motivation they need to provide care, but FC are often not aware of spirituality as a resource.To learn of the meaning of spirituality, they can benefit from professional support in recognising their spiritual needs and resources.