Multiple Individuals in Families with Chronic and Life-Limiting Illness
Diane Cass1 1Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
Abstract
We know that chronic disease and life-limiting illness can cause depression and anxiety in the person diagnosed and their loved ones. In addition, studies have shown an increase in other adverse outcomes in families. There is a multitude of resources and knowledge to support these patients and their families. However, from the researcher’s lived experience and a recent scoping review, it has been found that there are limited resources for individuals within families where two or more members have a life-limiting or chronic illness.
A scoping review found few studies in this area exploring the experiences of families with two or more illness diagnoses. Of those found, only six addressed all the criteria: two or more family members with life-limiting or chronic illnesses within a family. Outcomes included studies that found a link between chronic childhood illness and parental mental illness. Other studies found a connection between financial problems; marital discord; caregiver fatigue; and patient mental ill health when one or more family members have a chronic illness.
Research in this area is essential because numerous families with multiple diagnoses are falling through the gaps in the healthcare system. Our limited knowledge shows that resources for individuals are unsuitable for patients with multiple family members with an illness. Training for social workers and other allied health professionals could assist in supporting these families at the point of diagnosis. In addition, developing resources that provide specific support for patients, addressing the unique aspect of multiple diagnoses, will also assist these families.
Biography
Diane started her career in England as a lawyer before migrating to Australia in 2002. Deciding upon a career change, Diane studied social work and mental health teaching at multiple universities across Australia. In 2019 Diane and all her children were diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease. Finding that there was virtually no support for families where multiple members have a life-limiting diagnosis, Diane started her doctorate in 2020. Diane received the Dean’s Award in her first year of study and Best Panellist for the HDR Colloquium in 2022. Diane has now retired and is learning to live her best life.