Table 5 Selected comments from the family feedback questionnaire

The dignity therapy document helped me during this time of our life.

“It has provided a source of information and inspiration”.

“I didn’t learn anything about him I didn’t already know”.

“I put my husband first and yet what I read I didn’t feel very appreciated or loved”.

Dignity therapy was helpful in reducing my feelings of stress as a carer.

“Answering the questions actually increases the stress”.

“When the real suffering begins the stress is going to come no matter what”.

“[There is] more understanding, less tension”.

Dignity therapy helped me feel closer to my family member.

“Some days we are on the same page, but other days we are upset, angry and not close at all”.

“Nothing replaces 50+ years of constant close companionship and mutual caring”.

“We have always been close but I feel more protective now”.

Dignity therapy has helped me prepare for the end of life of my family member, whenever that may occur.

 “I don’t see how relating his life in a few short pages could prepare me”.

“One thing it did do was focus on the end and not to live and enjoy the journey along the way the best we can”.

“[It helped] from pushing aside the situation to more acceptance”.

Dignity therapy was helpful to my family member.

“Just for him to think of the past and what he has achieved in his life is satisfying”.

“She expressed emotions which she normally suppresses”.

“He enjoyed the opportunity to put memories on paper and have something concrete for others to read”.

Dignity therapy helped prepare my family member for the end of life, whenever that may occur.

“[We] recently went on a family holiday and he was able to talk to his children about his condition”.

 “He’s been in denial but has recently come to terms with his diagnosis and the dignity therapy helped through giving an opportunity to talk about these issues”.

“It has made him face up to his situation and to express himself to family and friends”.

The dignity therapy document will continue to be a source of comfort for my family and me.

“If we are missing him, we can just read the booklet”.

“The document will provide a basis for reference and reflection”.

“We will treasure his story forever”.