The patient's informal caregiver

Abstract

The majority of care for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) takes place beyond hospital or clinic walls. Most patients share this unique experience in a committed relationship with another person. This person, often the patient's spouse, cares for the patient by supporting their physical and emotional healing. However this often comes with a price. This chapter reveals how the role of the informal caregiver can take a toll on a person's physical, emotional and spiritual health. Health care providers (HCPs) must take notice and act in ways that support these people in order for optimal patient outcomes to occur. This chapter focuses on the informal caregivers (ICs) responses in the provision of care for patients with ICDs and LVADs and offers recommendations to support them. Distinctions will be made as there are some differences in informal caregiving based on the type of device the patient has i.e., ICD or LVAD.