Table 2 Themes and subthemes regarding partner’s experiences of living with a person with long-term illness
From: Living with a spouse with chronic illness – the challenge of balancing demands and resources
| Themes | Subthemes |
|---|---|
| Managing challenges in daily life | Balancing leisure activities to suit the spouse’s health |
| Adapting social life to the spouse’s health | |
| Taking over many practical things is a balancing act | |
| Seeking support and use own capabilities to manage life | Trying to find support |
| Taking advantage of resources and earlier experiences | |
| Appreciating the good parts of life | Having relationships with family members and friends |
| Being able to enjoy life values gives satisfaction | |
| Adapting to constant changes and an uncertain future |
Finding ways to accept the spouse’s illness Worrying about the future |