Psychology and Family Caregiving

Abstract

The term in-home family caregiver is used to describe a person who provides care and assistance (without pay) to a family member or close friend who has a disability, chronic condition or illness and is in need of help with daily living (e.g. walking, eating, bathing) and nursing (e.g. taking medication, monitoring of overall health and attending medical appointments) whilst living at home.1 Available research suggests that in-home family caregivers are reported to provide around 90% of long-term care2 and the majority of adults who care for a disabled family member are at least initially employed in the paid labor force.