Caregiving as Role Transition: Siblings’ Experiences and Expectations when Caring for a Brother or Sister with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Using a qualitative design, this study examines changes in the caregiving relationship in ten siblings caring for a brother or sister with severe schizophrenia. Siblings reported mourning the loss of a person they once knew and struggled to accept the brother or sister’s dependency in day-to-day living. As the relationship progressed, siblings became closer to their ill brother or sister and learned to appreciate modest accomplishments as evidence of success. Siblings expressed ambivalence toward transitioning into a primary caregiving role as their parents aged. Including these siblings in community care planning is a necessary step in supporting them toward this transition later in life.