ABSTRACT
Chronic illness is like an uninvited guest who arrives on a doorstep with all his baggage and invades everyone's space. Each member of the family is affected psychologically by this guest, and while it is clear that he is staying for the duration, no one knows exactly why he has come, and what will happen while he is here. The impact of serious illness on the family can be devastating. The changes in roles and family dynamics are one of the most difficult challenges for patients, but it can be equally difficult for the partner and for the children. Denial, disability, anxiety, and depression can all prevent an ill parent or their stressed partner from reorganizing family roles and responsibilities and getting appropriate help so that the needs of the children and the household are met. Reassure the patient that their partner and children can benefit from counseling to help them to adjust to the new family dynamics and responsibilities.
