Longing for normalcy in couple relationships: How chronic illness and care dependency change the relationship of long-married couples

Abstract

IntroductionCoping with chronic illness and care dependency in a marital dyad challenges many older couples. In our qualitative research study, we are interested in how long-married spouses in Germany experience their couple relationship while dealing with long-term care and adapting everyday life to the care situation.MethodsWe conducted problem-centered interviews with 17 spouses according to the interpretive-reconstructive documentary method.ResultsWe derived four thematic areas: (1) partner(ship) disappears behind the disease; (2) partners struggle with changing tasks and roles; (3) caring partners mourn the loss of intimacy; and (4) partners strive to rebalance the partnership.DiscussionWhen chronic illness and care dependency enter couples' lives, the self-image as husband or wife is affected. Primary health care professionals should be sensitive to the specific constellation of care in couple relationships and recognize the significance of this dyadic relationship as living in a satisfying couple relationship is essential for the health and wellbeing of both partners.

“It’s My Life and It’s Now or Never”—Transplant Recipients Empowered From a Service-Dominant Logic Perspective

“…For instance, since employment is considered an important influence on wellbeing [39,40], a possible service would be to support work retention. Similarly, budget coaching and relationship coaching are possible additional services because coping with chronic illness may affect income and relationships [41,42]. There is no need for hospitals to offer these extended health services themselves, there may be other more suitable providers to turn to for support.…”