Caring for bedridden family members: Discussing the mission to win over one’s heart

Abstract

Describing the firsthand challenges of caring for bedridden family members, drawing from insights gathered through both scholar research in family nursing and personal caregiving experiences. The article highlighted prevalent global health hazards beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, including the underrecognized menace of non-communicable diseases. It underscored the correlation between persistent health issues and advancing age as contributors to disability. Globally, approximately 15 percent, or around 44 million individuals, experience disability, predominantly attributed to non-communicable diseases. These disabilities encompassed physical, mental, sensory, cognitive, communicative, and perceptual impairments, leading individuals to rely on others for assistance. Consequently, this dependence entailed the loss of one's previous lifestyle and quality of life, stripping away personal autonomy and dignity. Moreover, it placed significant burdens on the affected individuals' families. The strain placed on families to provide care constituted a crisis, as the emotional and physical toll on caregivers disrupted the equilibrium of their lives, triggering a grieving process. Without proper comprehension and support, this could ultimately result in the breakdown of family dynamics, as caregivers struggle to adapt to the challenges within their family. Hence, the insights gleaned from sharing knowledge about such real-life experiences could prove invaluable to those seeking to implement effective coping strategies and could prove advantageous for individuals interested in applying or advancing scholarly research aimed at benefiting society in the future.