Family caregiver - A hidden patient: Critical appraisal

Benson Fakuma Nana1*, Ndukwu Geraldine U2
1Department of Family Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
2Department of Family Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Correspondence: Benson Fakuma Nana; +234 703 441 4272, +234 814 215 3503, drbensonfakuma@gmail.com

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Abstract

Family caregivers are essential in the care of sick members of the family especially those with chronic medical conditions that require long–term care services. This article examines the various roles of the caregiver to sick relative and the impact of assuming these roles on caregivers’ health and well-being. It describes the complex role of care giving and how it can affect both the health of the caregiver and the quality of care to the care recipient. Physicians and other members of the health team should see caregivers as hidden patients who should have access to high-quality, evidence-based interventions designed to mitigate or prevent the negative impact of caregiving on their health.

Keywords: Caregiver, Care recipient, Informal Caregiver, Caregiver Burden.

Cite this article: Benson FN, Ndukwu GU. Family caregiver – A hidden patient: Critical appraisal.  Yen Med J. 2019;1(1):15–27.

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