The experiences of close relatives living with a person with serious chronic illness

Living with serious chronic illness has a directly threatening effect on the life course of healthy relatives. The aim of this study was to elucidate the meaning of close relatives' experiences of living with a person with serious, chronic illness. Using a narrative approach, the authors interviewed 13 spouses and 1 daughter about the meaning of their experiences. They used a phenomenological hermeneutic method to interpret the interview text. The structural analysis revealed three major themes: A Shrinking Life, Forced to Take Responsibility, and Struggling to Keep Going. Close relatives in this study seemed to be living lives characterized by a reduced sense of individual freedom and an increased sense of responsibility for the care of the ill person. It means struggling to obtain the strength to manage their duty and an inner sense of community and of solidarity. The authors interpret the findings in the light of the works of philosophers who have described ethical demands and natural love between people.