Caregivers' commitment and possible burden relieving measures

Abstract

Care giving towards elderly relatives might be seen as compassionate care. However, in the long run of the experience, carers of elderly relatives very often realise that the caring experience sometimes has its' thorns as well. Thus, the study explored what factors contribute towards hindering or facilitating the caring experience with elderly relatives. Undoubtedly, many factors contribute towards hindering and facilitating care giving. However, characteristics of carers, the burden encountered as well as positive factors, such as satisfaction, are three of the strongest pillars which bring out contributing factors which hinder or/and facilitate the caring role. For the data analysis the researcher carried out a structured questionnaire with primary carers of elderly relatives. This brought clear issues about which elements hinder or/ and facilitates care giving with elderly relatives. Although particular characteristical differences emerged, hindering factors towards care giving with elderly relatives seem to be more prevalent than facilitating factors. This suggests that though care giving with elderly relatives seems to be an easy task in reality it can be a tough experience. Finally, the researcher analysed the outcomes in the light of existing literature about the role of carers of elderly relatives. Ultimately the researcher proposed suggestions for further studies in this area of care giving with elderly relatives.