In may master thesis I observed the experiencing of long-term care of old people from the perspective of family caregivers, their everyday hardships and the available formal and informal support. I focused on an aspect I find of great importance, the needs of family caregivers.
I carried out the empirical part qualitatively with ten interviews of family caregivers. Seven women and three men were included in the sample. Everyone was caring for a family member. I analysed the obtained data with open and axial coding. The results showed that family caregivers decide to provide care mainly out of love and responsibility for the old person as well as because of his desire to stay in his home environment.
Family caregivers often experience great physical and psychological strain. All interlocutors report that they lacked information about rights and assistance options that would make their work easier when providing care. They wish formal help would be more accessible and based on individual needs. Family caregiving demands major adjustments in an individual's life, as it requires a lot of sacrifice, dedication and time. At the end of the assignment, I listed some actual proposals that would contribute to greater recognition of the role of caregivers. The quality of their life and the experience of care would improve, as well as the quality of the care itself
|
