Burdens of caregivers of patients classified for long-term home care

Background: The illness of one family member has an impact on the functioning of the whole family. Usually, it results in lowering the quality of life, the necessity to introduce changes in hitherto existing rhythm of life and roles carried out by the family members, a decrease in the economic status etc. Aim: The aim of the research was to study the quality of life and costs covered by the caregivers of patient(s) in long-term home care. Material and methods: The survey was using the self-report method. Purposely designed questionnaire, which consists of 29 questions distributed to caregivers of the patients. Results and conclusions: Among the difficulties caregivers face, some of the most crucial are: acceptance of taking the responsibility of becoming a caregiver, the economic burden, perceived lack of time, limitation on professional and social activities, problems with preforming nursing procedures, deterioration of the health status of the caregivers themselves, lack of the adequate (psychological/social) support