Family Experiences of Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States

David (aged 35) is the patient’s son and Olivia (aged 36) is David’s wife. They were the main family carers after David’s mother had a brain haemorrhage. David is self-employed and Olivia works as a university researcher.

At the time of the injury Margaret was a long-term friend of Gunars’ and has since become his partner. Gunars (aged 61) was a senior local government manager and Margaret (aged 67) worked in management development training. They are now retired.

In 2006, at the age of 16, Helen’s son, Christopher, was severely injured in a car accident. He was eventually diagnosed as being in a permanent vegetative state and died after the withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration in 2010.

No details given .