A quantitative study of unpaid caregiving in multiple sclerosis

Data on healthcare utilisation by MS patients of different grades of disability were collected using the method of a prospective diary. Professional care providers and unpaid caregivers noted during 4 weeks the time they spent and the types of support they provided. The total homecaring time of family and friends amounted to 4.6 and 12 h per day for the moderately and the severely disabled MS patients respectively. The time for unpaid core activities such as mobility help, nursing care and personal care of moderately and severely disabled patients amounted to 0.5 and 2 h per day, exceeding the time for professional medical and paramedical care at home. Eighty per cent of informal homecaring is provided by persons living with the patients, primarily the partner, who provides 60% of homecaring time. Severely disturbed bowel function and absence of a partner were associated with permanent institutionalisation.