Currently there are still many people who think that only health workers are able to provide care to patients 24 hours a day. According to research, it was found that 90% of the care given to patients, especially those with chronic diseases, was provided by family caregivers. According to data from the National Alliance for Caregivers & AARP, it shows that more than 78% of caregivers come from the family itself. This statement can be proven by the results of research conducted in Indonesia which states that the majority of caregivers who care for chronic patients are their own families. Therefore, it can be concluded that the contribution of family caregivers is very important for patients, especially patients who have chronic diseases.
The existence of family caregivers is really needed by patients who have chronic pain (such as patients with heart failure, stroke, and others). Because, given the patient's condition that requires ongoing care. Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which explains that the main cause of death in the world is caused by cardiovascular disease. Patients with cardiovascular disease require long-term care at home. Therefore, families must have caregivers to be fully responsible for caring for patients. However, it is very unfortunate, in Indonesia itself the existence of caregivers has not been given much attention.
Family caregivers are people who always accompany and care for patients with chronic conditions. A caregiver has a very important role in the patient's daily life. As for the duties of the caregivers themselves, aside from being a family that assists patients in carrying out their daily activities, they also help to remind patients to routinely go to the hospital for control, remember when to take medication regularly, remind patients to comply with the diet they must live, and so on. etc.
A family caregiver becomes the backbone for adults or patients with chronic illnesses to provide most of the care and social support for loved ones. The family caregiver in question is actually a family member, sibling, partner, friend, neighbor who has a significant relationship with the patient. Because, according to research, the main source of support for accompanying and caring for patients is the family itself. Family support is considered a key driver for providing extensive care, long-term services and support. Family caregivers have a variety of tasks to perform for patients. Their duties include stressing patients on self-care, monitoring adherence to therapy, booking appointments for routine medical examinations, assisting and monitoring intake, assisting in personal care, observing patients' condition for early symptoms, and so on.
However, in Indonesia itself the role of family caregivers is not fully aware of the community. There is still a lack of knowledge about the caregivers themselves, making the care of patients who need full 24-hour monitoring at home neglected. Therefore, currently there are many caregiver service providers who are the solution for patients with chronic pain in carrying out their care. The duties of caregivers given by service providers are professional staff who are able to carry out care in accordance with the tasks given. With the convenience provided, families don't have to worry about intensive care for patients at home. That way, families can still monitor the care provided by caregivers to patients who are sick at home, so this is a good alternative to choose from.
REFERENCES
Swartz, K., & Collins, L. G. (2019). Caregiver Care. American family physician, 99(11).
Northouse, L., Williams, A. L., Given, B., McCorkle, R., & Netter, F. H. (2012). Psychosocial care for family caregivers of patients with cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 30(11), 1227–1234. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2011.3 9.5798