The burden experienced by elders and family care givers in caring for the elderly in Batticaloa District

Abstract

Healthy ageing is a desirable expectation of all communities in the world as well as in Sri Lanka. Elders receive both formal and informal care and is often a mix of both in a complementary relationship to each other. Caregivers would be aware of the physical and mental conditions and problems of the elderly people in order to cope up to meet their needs in the home setting. It is dynamic and evolves according to the care receiver's and caregiver's needs, abilities and schedules. Thus, this study was aimed to explore the perception among elders and care givers on the care given to elderly in their homes The descriptive qualitative study was conducted by using an in-depth interview method which included audio recording. Data collection was performed among purposely selected twenty elderly patients and their care givers in five family practice settings in Batticaloa District. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed on the basis of content analysis method and themes were extracted The perceptions among elders and caregivers on “care given” had revealed both positive and negative feelings. The study had showed majority of the elders had perceived negatively about the care they received. The major themes were emerged from the interview transcript of perception on care given to elders were “A burden life with diseases and experiences linked with dependency”, “Proper disease management and life style modifications with better communication”, “Timely services relatively good communication, but frustrated care”, “Positive behavioral changes with kind caring attitude” and “Open hearted care with compassion”. The major themes of perception on care giving by informal care givers were “Happy and blessing”, “High prioritization for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and low for entertainment and recreational activities” and “Financial crisis and unemployability”. Most of the care givers were females and felt that they lacked any special training. The care giving process was undertaken by those informal care givers with very minimal practical and theoretical training. Thus, training on care giving is an urgent need for early identification of risk factors, prevention of complications and disabilities.