How a “Special Caring Bond” is Formed Between the Chronically ill Patient and the Family Caregiver

Abstract

The formation of bonds in human beings stems from the caring relationships that exist throughout life. There are theories that apply to situations where the human being is at risk or has reached a limit, as in the case of chronic illness. Objective: Describe how a “special caring bond” is constructed in the dyad involving a family caregiver and a chronically ill patient. Method: The grounded theory methodology was used to arrive at the central conclusion of a qualitative study in which a substantive theory was constructed to describe the process whereby a “special caring bond” is formed. Findings: A theoretical structure showing the pattern formed in the dyads with respect to the significance of care is displayed in a representative diagram that was the product of doctoral research. Conclusions: The constructed pattern shows an initial separation between the two persons in the dyad. However, to the extent the experience is shared and interests increasingly coincide, the dyad achieves more awareness or consciousness with respect to the care being provided. Along the same lines, the functionality of the chronically ill person declines and the level of care-giving skill increases.