Co-afflicted but invisible - the experience of caring for a loved one with cancer
Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash
What is it about?
We interviewed 28 informal caregivers about their experience of caring for a loved one with cancer. Through focus groups interviews we could see three recurring themes: Setting aside one's own needs, assuming the role of project manager, and losing one's sense of identity. Together these themes formed the framing theme "Being co-afflicted".
Why is it important?
There are many people with cancer, and for each person with cancer there is a number of people who are close to them. These people often become caregivers to some extent, and for some, the role has a high price. Society benefits from informal caregivers, as it saves money for the health care system, but takes little or no responsibility for the well-being of the informal caregivers. We think that informal caregivers should receive more support.
Perspectives
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359105319890407
The following have contributed to this page: Mattias Tranberg
