ABSTRACT
AIM: The study explored the views of New Zealand home carers providing home-based palliative care, as little is known about this in the New Zealand context. METHODS: A qualitative interview study involving nine bereaved carers whose loved ones had received a combination of hospice, district health board, home-support and general practitioner care. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged, both with subthemes: (1) Home-a place of safety and self-determination. (2) Doing what it takes. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that New Zealand carers' experiences of providing home-based palliative care are similar to those in international studies; country-context, ethnicity and health systems likely influence the differences. While carers are grateful for professionals and family/whanau/friend support, they experience challenges that could be addressed by the following recommendations: undertake a regular review with carers regarding the decision to provide care at home; support carers to take on a leadership role if this is what they want; ensure carers have information regarding which professional and which agency does what and who to contact for help; provide post-bereavement support to carers for longer than it is currently being given.
