ABSTRACT
Family caregivers of long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) users may face the greatest challenges of any group of caregivers. Their attitudes and how they cope with day-to-day problems greatly affect the well-being, quality of life, and survival of their ventilatordependent loved ones. Family perspectives may also directly affect their loved ones’ desire to live or die, and the decisions they make. Moreover, the attitudes and circumstances of ventilator users, and the quality of their relationships with their loved ones, can make a significant difference in the ability and willingness of family members, or significant others, to take on the responsibilities of long-term, round-the-clock care.
