CAREGIVING DURING ILLNESS: ADDITIONAL ECONOMIC BURDEN ON HOUSEHOLDS

No man is free from health related issues. While some episodes of sickness are trivial, others are major – those requiring elaborate treatment and care, with most necessitating the services of a caregiver. The present paper which draws on the findings of a field based study involving HIV/AIDS households highlights the role of a caregiver during illness episodes of a HIV infected member. Additionally, besides outlining the nature of economic loss entailed on account of caregiving, it brings out findings like how care receiving is a luxury for some, how women could be more adversely affected, and how minors and senior citizens are forced into caregiving. Based on its findings the paper concludes by listing a few suggestions related to caregiving and employment.