• 130-01 - Couples' Adaptation to Chronic Illness: The Importance of Effective Communication. Presented by: Laura Porter

• 130-02 - Diet-related Interactions of Patients With Diabetes and Their Spouses. Presented by: Melissa M. Franks
• 130-03 - Couples and Chronic Illness: Relationship Matters as a Model Relationship Enrichment Program. Presented by: Kimberly Koch

• 130-04 - Spouses, Partners and Other Family Caregivers on Persons With Chronic Illness: What are the Issues? Presented by: Bonnie Danowski

Abstracts

Spouses, Partners and Family as Caregivers in Chronic Illness: Implications for Healthcare Reform

Presented by: Laura Porter, Melissa M. Franks, Kimberly Koch, Bonnie Danowski

Chronic illness and disability takes up an increasing share of health care resources.  Yet the major burden of care of the chronically ill is assumed by unpaid spouses/partners and family caregivers. Panelists will address (i) Research on how chronic illness affects couple and family relationships, especially in cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis; (ii) The critical role of partner and family caregivers in effective chronic illness management; (iii) Promising results from interventions to strengthen family/partner caregiving; (iv) Health care financing/system changes needed to support partner/family caregiving.