Abstract:
This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences of caregivers taking
care of dependent elderly persons in relation to reasons for taking on the
caregivers’ roles, the function of caregivers in taking care of dependent elderly,
problems of taking on the caregiver role, management of the problems and
perceptions of being a caregiver. Twenty-six caregivers of dependent elderly who
received treatment at a clinic of a private hospital in Bangkok were purposively
selected to be “participants”. Data were collected by using semi-structured tape
recorded interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis.
The results showed that there were three reasons for caregivers to take on the
role. They had a connection to dependent elderly, capability to care, and considered
that it was an unavoidable situation. The activities in taking care of dependent
elderly persons consisted of helping with activities of daily living, medical care,
facilitating physical exercise, monitoring abnormal signs and symptoms,
prevention of complications, and providing mental, emotional, and spiritual care. It
was found that there were three problems when participants took on the role of
caregivers: physical strain, emotional strain, and social strain. Caregivers managed
physical tension by using painkillers, massage, and physical therapy. Moreover,
they tried to get adequate sleep and rest as well as staying healthy with exercise and
healthy food. They also accepted their role, understood the nature of being a
dependent elderly person in ill health, had positive thinking, were patient, and
supported themselves in order to reduce the emotional strain. To cope with social
strain, they managed to find free time, have someone else to care for dependent
elderly, managed financial situations, and changed communication pattern with
others. As for the perception of the caregivers’ roles, they were reflected in both
positive and negative ways.
From this study, the suggestions that can be made are that nurses should assist
and enhance caregivers to have the capability in caring, to be proud of themselves,
and to have a sense of self-value. This includes organizing a system to care for
dependent elderly and caregivers after discharge from hospital, and to encourage
caregivers to perform proper roles and alleviate problems while they are
performing the role of caregivers