Sustaining Informal Caregivers for Persons with AIDS

Abstract

Friends, partners, and relatives of persons with HIV/AIDS face significant challenges in providing for the emotional, physical, and practical needs of their loved ones. Moreover, the responsibilities of caregiving often disrupt work life, finances, living arrangements, and relationships with family and friends as well as tax the emotional and physical well-being of the caregiver. The author reports on the experiences of 642 informal caregivers to persons with AIDS in order to identify the type of care provided; the physical, emotional, and financial costs of caring for a loved one with AIDS; the resources available to assist caregivers; and the benefits of providing such care.