In the 21st century, “there has been an increase in the number of Americans living with one or more chronic conditions. And unlike most infectious diseases or sudden acute illnesses, chronic conditions, by our definition, last a year or longer and limit what one can do and/or require ongoing medical care. In this new century, we have to confront a new reality: growing numbers of people with chronic conditions seeking health care in a system that is not structured to respond to this new dynamic (Anderson & Horvath, 2002).”
Families, friends and neighbors are the answer. Or, more simply, community. The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees. They made a recent statement that said:
“Health-care professionals who practice family-centered care recognize the vital role that families play in ensuring the health and well-being of children and family members of all ages.” The family plays an important role in a patient’s recovery after surgery or an accident, during an ongoing chronic illness, during and following childbirth and during hospitalization and terminal illness.
When interpreted broadly, family can mean friends and neighbors. They may or may not be related genetically, but they are the ones who are going to be there with you through your worst. These caregivers can work together to ensure that the patient takes her medication regularly, performs any exercises or health care routines as prescribed by the physician, and goes to scheduled checkups and follow-up visits, that the siblings are cared for, and that the grocery shopping is done.
Consider the following data presented in a report prepared by Johns Hopkins University and the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation:
- Because of gaps in the health care system and individual family preferences, much of the care for people with chronic conditions is provided by family and friends
- Today, 9.4 million Americans of all ages provide care to relatives and friends
- 65% of family caregivers are women
- Half of family caregivers are employed, with the majority employed full time.
- People with chronic conditions rely on others not only for financial support but for personal assistance as well.
- Family and friends devote many hours per week to assisting people with long-term conditions and disabilities.
- People with chronic conditions worry about becoming a hardship to their family and friends.
Read more:
Anderson, G., & Horvath, J. (2002). Chronic conditions: Making the case for ongoing care. Baltimore, MD,
The Role of the Family in Health Care | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6711493_role-family-health-care.html#ixzz0tRc8X17E
