Chronic Illness and Disability (Families in Trouble Series, Volume 2)

A conceptual base for theory building, clinical practice and research in the area of chronic and life-threatening illness opens this volume, which then addresses such pertinent issues as: the physical, emotional and financial problems faced by families with children having developmental and learning difficulties; chronically ill children or elderly members; and available forms of treatment for the chronically ill or physically impaired. The contributors also consider boundary ambiguity experienced by families of Alzheimer′s patients and an outline for psychotherapy for the relatives of dementia patients. Finally, problems of social policy, including inequitable and inaccessible financing, are addressed and some possible solutions offered.