Labor and cost in AIDS family caregiving

When the costs of care for persons with AIDS are calculated, the assumption is made that the care provided by the family or other social support network members is a social and not also an economic contribution. This article challenges the flawed assumption of "free" care, focuses on the labor and economic dimensions of family home care, and presents a calculation of the dollar value of this care for persons with AIDS (PWAs). The sample consisted of 53 persons, each of whom identified themselves as the primary caregiver for a PWA. Study findings revealed caregiver estimates of 5 hours a week of housework performed specifically for the PWA. Caregivers spent an average of 8.5 hours a day performing personal care tasks for the PWA. The three most common activities were providing companionship, running errands, and performing food/meal-related activities. Gender comparisons revealed that women performed more hours of housework than men but that both provided similar types of personal care for similar numbers of hours. Using a market valuation method, the value of a day's caregiving work was estimated to be $43.78. The annual value of unpaid care, including housework, for one PWA was calculated to be $25,857.88. These data document a significant economic contribution by families and friends caring for PWAs. This subsidy must be included as part of the policy and planning work essential to addressing the AIDS epidemic.