| [ Summary ] |
The lifestyles of people with chronic diseases are restricted in various ways. Treatment to achieve recuperation causes a great deal of stress for patients. Families who watch over patients shoulder severe burdens too.
Support for families consists of not only lightening the burdens experienced by family members, but also providing improvements in self-care for patients. The psychology involved influences both family members and patients. Relations between family members and patients may be degraded during long term recuperation periods. Steps must be taken to prevent families and patients from falling into crisis situations. Therefore, it is necessary to promote the healthy expression of emotions by family members, so they may play their proper roles as part of a support system. Health based education for family members must be provided according to their individual needs. These support systems must be put into practice in relation to assessment of overall patient situations. |