Reasons behind providing care for older persons

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Healthcare Studies

Background:

• Global populations are aging, with Malaysia projected to become an aging nation.
• Elderly individuals often require long-term care due to declining physical and cognitive functions.
• Caregivers play a vital role in providing essential home-based care for older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the multifaceted reasons why caregivers provide care for older adults at home.
• To identify key personal, social, and environmental factors influencing caregiving decisions.
• To inform the development of targeted support systems for family caregivers.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized.
• Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 caregivers.
• Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns and themes in caregiver motivations.

Main Results:

• Four primary themes emerged: needs of the elderly, caregiver's personal factors, social support, and environmental influences.
• Motivations included the older adult's medical condition, caregiver's sense of duty, reciprocity, and religious beliefs.
• Financial stability, caregiving experience, and lack of alternative caregivers also influenced decisions; social support was often received from family, friends, and hired help.

Conclusions:

• Caregiving decisions are influenced by cultural values, religious beliefs, and gender roles.
• A comprehensive understanding of these dynamics is essential for creating effective support systems.
• Addressing personal, social, and environmental factors is crucial for supporting caregivers in their vital role.