Background: To be the close relative of a terminally ill person, who is receiving special palliative care, is a life changing experience. According to the guide lines for palliative care both the patients and their family members have the right to support, and to be part of the caring process. For nurses to be able to meet the needs of relatives, understanding their experience of special palliative care is crucial.

Aim: To highlight the family´s experience of palliative care from specialist palliative operations.

Method: A method based on the analysis of qualitative research was used, in order to contribute to evidence-based care. Ten scientific articles were analysed.

Results: Emotions of guilt and relief were common amongst family members. The family members experienced that the nurses where a safe harbor when the family members received the support they needed. Sometimes the family members felt as if their homes and their private sphere became a workplace.

Conclusion: Honest, straight, and clear communication was of great importance. For family members to be able to ask nurses for help and to feel supported in different situations was also important. The physical symptoms of death approaching became symbols of grief and sorrow.