Objective:

To know the experience, the perceived impact and the management of the experience of the reconstruction of the daily life of the family post-caregivers after the grieving process.

Methods:

In-depth interviews of 14 former caregivers who had cared for their relative for more than 2 years and who had stopped caring for them more than 2 years previously. Data were collected over 13 months in 2014-2015. The data analysis was performed using Grounded Theory.

Results:

Three categories were obtained from the data analysis: The emptiness in post-caring, the end of the time as a caregiver and the transition towards a new life. All the informants mention an emptiness but a new determining factor, the increase in free time, also emerges in the study. Within this increase in their free time, caregivers feel the need to occupy their time by becoming involved in caring for others.

Conclusions:

Former caregivers experience a transition in the reconstruction of their everyday life, in which support from professionals is essential. Former caregivers may be a source of support for other caregivers.