Material and relational challenges of home-based renal care: a parental perspective on child chronic kidney disease

Authors: Andréa Bruno de Sousahttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-6867-16851 and Anette Wickströmhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-0587-33991
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  • 1 Linköping University, , Sweden
Article Category:
Research Article
Copyright:
© Policy Press 2021
Online Publication Date:
19 Oct 2021
Pages:
1–17
Publisher:
Policy Press
Volume/Issue:
Early View
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1332/239788221X16316492108700
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Caring for a child with chronic kidney disease requires parents to reorganise mundane routines and develop advanced technical skills. Parents’ strategies used to meet these challenges need greater understanding. This article takes inspiration from phenomenology of practice and material culture studies to analyse interviews with parents in Portugal. It shows that although home-based care leads to worsened social inequities, parents use the available financial and human resources to manage the situation and create normality. While they experience becoming confined and close relationships are strained, the mundane practices and social relations of care bring hope and meaning to the family.

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