Att leva med en familjemedlem med kronisk obstruktiv lungsjukdom
BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a slow progressive disease affecting the family caregivers by limiting their lifestyle. Subsequently the situation can be experienced as stressful for both the afflicted and the relatives. To easier understand the needs of the caregivers of family members suffering from COPD have, it is important to get an insight into their experience of every-day life, so that medical staff can help, support and promote their health according to their needs. AIM: To illustrate caregivers? experiences of living with a family member suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. METHOD: A general literary study where scientific articles were searched for through electronic databases and through manual searches. Seven articles were included and analyzed through content analysis. RESULT: Family caregivers experienced social isolation, a shift in roles, heavy work load without possibility of relief, and constant worry for their sick family member. They also lacked information and support from the nursing staff. CONCLUSION: Family caregivers of family members suffering from COPD need help and support in order not to develop stress related diseases caused by not being able to cope with the situation. By creating comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness the nurse can help the family caregiver to cope with their situation and prevent ill-health.