Caring for the caregivers: the hidden victims of illness and disability.

As advances in medical care extend the life expectancy of the elderly as well as those with disabling and chronic conditions, new sets of problems often emerge. One such problem is the constantly growing population of those providing care for spouses who, due to a disability, chronic illness, medical condition, or simply the frailty of old age, can no longer totally care for themselves. Well spouses who provide care are at risk for numerous physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial problems of their own. The literature points to several issues that emerge from the caregiving experience, as well as appropriate and effective responses to these issues. Nurses are in a position to identify at-risk caregivers and to advise them of their increased risk of physical and emotional problems. Addressing caregivers' needs helps to ensure that better care will be given to those dealing with or recovering from chronic illness, disability, or medical condition and, thus, that there will be improved results.