Experiences of informal caregivers in Turkey: A qualitative study

Abstract

This research is designed with a qualitative approach and an aim to understand the experiences, emotions and problems of the family members, who give informal care to the bed ridden patients. Basic concerns of the present research are the perceptions of caregiving, the effects on the caregiver’s emotions regarding the homecare process, the obstacles for the caregivers and the role of domestic support and gender in the homecare process. Most family members stated that they have incurability and burnout in the homecare process. In addition, they indicated that being a formal caregiver is the task of the women at home. Informal caregivers also noted that the biggest obstacles in the caring process are the economic and the social problems. Both the bedridden patients and the informal caregivers can experience physical and psycho-social problems because of immobility or the lack of capacity to move. It was concluded that families should be provided with psycho-social support and that the care should be planned professionally.