Continuation of caregiving among partners who give total care to spouses with multiple sclerosis

Authors:
BOEIJE Hennie R., DUIJNSTEE Mia S.H., GRYPDONCK Maria H.F.
Journal article citation:
Health and Social Care in the Community, 11(3), May 2003, pp.242-252.
Publisher:
Wiley

Addresses the total care phase in which spouses give direct and ongoing personal care to their partners with multiple sclerosis (MS). The dyadic nature of caregiving is stressed by examining the roles which both spouses play in establishing a commitment that results in the continuation of caregiving. For this purpose, 17 couples facing MS were selected in the Netherlands and Belgium. Ten females and 7 males were disabled, all living with partners who provided a full range of care. Both partners were interviewed separately about their motivation to give care, dependency on help, the continuation of caregiving and their relationship. The analysis consisted of fragmenting and connecting the data and involved close reading and constant comparison. The findings support previous studies: continuation of caregiving is the result of an interchange between the partners. The commitment established can be expressed in terms of inevitability, shared misfortune, reciprocity and the desire to prevent admission to a nursing home. Three aspects appear to contribute to the creation of commitment and the ensuing continuation of caregiving: marital loyalty, the arbitrariness of the disease, and its serious nature. For community care it is important to consider the negotiations between partners and the impact of caregiving on their relationship.

Subject terms:
informal care, multiple sclerosis, physical disabilities, carers, care management, community health care;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Belgium, Netherlands
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1365-2524
ISSN print:
0966-0410

Key to icons

  • Free resource Free resource
  • Journal article Journal article
  • Book Book
  • Digital media Digital media
  • Journal Journal

Give us your feedback

Social Care Online continues to be developed in response to user feedback.

Contact us with your comments and for any problems using the website.

Sign up/login for more

Register/login to access resource links, advanced search and email alerts