Introduction. Chronic disease causes a serious crisis in the family life. The change usually concerns the system of values and the rhythm of life. Members must cope with anxiety, uncertainty, regret, helplessness and overload responsibilities. This translates into a further consequence, the quality of family life, which may be assessed differently due to the subjective perception of the altered family situation. Aim. To assess the impact of chronic disease, which is multiple sclerosis, on the quality of life of family members/carers of people suffering from MS. Material and methods. The research was carried out on a group of 50 people who are family members/carers of people with MS and belong to the Association of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Glogow. A diagnostic survey method was used, including the survey technique with the author’s own questionnaire. The results were statistically analyzed using the mean response, the arithmetic mean and the chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results. In the study group, the family sphere was evaluated the highest in terms of life quality and socioeconomic one – the lowest, although differences in the assessment of importance and satisfaction with elements that constitute each sphere of life quality were noted. Summary. In the daily struggle of a patient with chronic disease, bearing in mind a poor health prognosis, the support that is given to him/her by his/her immediate environment, partner, family, caregiver, friend/friends is extremely important. They are a source of support, both emotional and physical. The scope of this support and possibilities has a direct impact on the assessment of life quality.

Key words: quality of life, multiple sclerosis.