Experiences of gay men whose partners have AIDS: Implications for hospital social work

Abstract

Using ethnographic data, some significant themes from the experiences of partners of gay men with AIDS are outlined. The study confirmed that caring partners' tasks and responsibilities increased significantly as a result of their partner's illness. ‘They experienced high levels of emotional stress. This burden was exacerbated by caring partners’ perceived isolation from potential sources of support. This resulted from their construing their own needs as secondary, the dependency needs of their sick partner making the relationship less mutually supportive, and because family, friends and professional caregivers focused their attention on the sick partner. Partners experienced significant shifts in their primary relationship, often away from ‘lover’ to ‘caregiver’, although there was often increased closeness and communication. Implications for hospital social work are outlined including the need to validate caring partners' needs through systemic intervention, validating of gay relationships, and reducing caring partners' isolation.