This study describes family caregiver perceptions of the experience of loss and grief as it occurs prior to and following the death of a relative with dementia. A content analysis was conducted of responses to open-ended questions by a sample of 82 primary caregivers participating in a longitudinal study who had experienced the death of their relative with dementia. Six themes were identified: loss of person and relationship, loss of hope, predeath grief, expectancy of death, post-death relief, and caregiving reflections. Implications for clinical practice and research are presented.
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