Experiences of formal caregivers of elderly inpatients with physical disabilities in China: a qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: To explore the views and experiences of formal caregivers caring for older inpatients with physical disabilities.

Methods: It was a qualitative phenomenological study. Using purposive sampling, twelve formal caregivers were chosen in a tertiary comprehensive hospital in Hangzhou, China. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted, guided by open-ended questions that focused on gaining rich insights into participants' views and experiences. Coding reliability thematic analysis was used to guide data analysis and categorize, based on Lazarus and Folkman's theory of transactional coping.

Results: Four themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Caregiving Threats. (2) motivations. (3) Responsibility Management. (4) Fear.

Conclusion: Despite facing significant pressure at work, formal caregivers of elderly inpatients with physical disabilities possess the drive and various coping strategies to excel in their role. Identifying caregivers' experiences of care can be helpful in improving resilience to stress and maintaining stability in formal caregivers.

Keywords: Aged; Caregiver burden; Carer; Disability; Formal caregiver; Inpatients; Qualitative research.

Fig. 1

Modification of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. The combination of stressors stimulates the caregiver’s cognitive appraisal of the job, which consists of primary appraisal (e.g. is this a threat? ) and secondary appraisal (e.g. what resources do I have? ). These appraisals lead caregivers to develop appropriate coping strategies, including problem-based, emotion-based and meaning-based coping. Finally, the individual will make an adaptive change

Fig. 2

Based on the transactional model of stress and coping, formal caregivers initiate a process of primary appraisals (e.g. perceived threats) and secondary appraisals (e.g. motivations) in caring, which lead to coping efforts (e.g. responsibility management), while formal caregivers receive the adaptive outcomes (e.g. fear of becoming a disabled elderly person, and fear of no followers)