Dealing with the anger and hostility of those who grieve

Abstract

Hospice caregivers are often targets of appropriate or displaced anger from the patients and family members that they try to help. Although anger is often an essential part of the grieving process, it may be difficult to endure. Caregivers must therefore understand the causes and signs of anger in themselves, patients, and family members, and find strategies to reduce the anger. A therapeutic response to anger will better facilitate the grief process as well as the effectiveness and well-being of the hospice caregiver.