Caregiver Information

Many HIV patients are cared for at home by family members or friends. Being a caregiver requires emotional strength, energy for physical tasks, and knowledge of technical/medical aspects of care. In addition to often being a rewarding experience, caregiving also is a demanding one.

Caregivers tasks can include preparing meals, transporting patients to medical appointments or taking them on errands, helping with medication, speaking with doctors, and dressing and bathing the patient.

Often, caregivers are the spouse, child, parent, relative, or friend of the patient. With the HIV diagnosis and caregiving responsibilities come some changes to their relationship with the patient. To deal with these changes often is a great challenge for caregivers.

Meeting this challenge begins with trying to understand the patient's perspective. Ask questions and listen, never assuming you know how they feel about being diagnosed with HIV. Encourage independence, self-esteem, and self-help. When you need to make decisions, do so with the patient whenever possible. And always remember how important dignity is to the patient.