"She is My Work": Caregiving for Older Adults With Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

To explore the lived experiences of informal caregivers of older adults with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus in Kumasi, Ghana. A qualitative research approach was used to conduct the study using informal caregivers of older adults with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus at a teaching hospital in Ghana. In all, 20 participants were purposively sampled, interviewed, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: "Experience with care demands," "Coping with care demands," and "Motivation for caregiving." Older adults with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus had needs that placed a burden on informal caregivers' work life, health, and social life. Informal caregivers of older adults with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus are under strain. Caregiving is a difficult task, requiring a lot of time, effort, attention, and devotion. Nurses should plan the care of older adults with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus in collaboration with their informal caregivers.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; experience; hypertension; informal caregivers; older adults.