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1- Religion and Health Studies Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences branch, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
3- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences branch, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. ,r.shameli87@gmail.com
2- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences branch, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
3- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences branch, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. ,
Abstract: (17 Views)
Objectives: With the rapid growth of the older population and declining fertility rates in Iran, elder care -particularly during the end-of-life stages - has become increasingly dependent on informal caregivers, most of whom are women. Caring for an older adult at the end of life is a highly challenging and unique experience that varies across individuals. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of female informal caregivers during the end-of-life stages and the death of older adults.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach from April 2023 to December 2024 in Tehran, Iran. Ten female informal caregivers who had experienced the death of an older adult under their care were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. To ensure trustworthiness, Guba’s four criteria were applied.
Results: Data analysis revealed six main themes: (1) The heaviness of the caregiving burden, (2) Compassionate caregiving, (3) Psychosocial driving forces, (4) Gradual acceptance of an inevitable truth, (5) Between being and non-being, and (6) Living again within the orbit of loss.
Conclusion: The findings highlight that female informal caregivers face profound emotional and psychological challenges during the end-of-life stages and following the death of older adults—challenges that may adversely affect their physical and mental well-being. A deeper understanding of these experiences can inform the design of supportive, educational, and counseling interventions tailored to their needs.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach from April 2023 to December 2024 in Tehran, Iran. Ten female informal caregivers who had experienced the death of an older adult under their care were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. To ensure trustworthiness, Guba’s four criteria were applied.
Results: Data analysis revealed six main themes: (1) The heaviness of the caregiving burden, (2) Compassionate caregiving, (3) Psychosocial driving forces, (4) Gradual acceptance of an inevitable truth, (5) Between being and non-being, and (6) Living again within the orbit of loss.
Conclusion: The findings highlight that female informal caregivers face profound emotional and psychological challenges during the end-of-life stages and following the death of older adults—challenges that may adversely affect their physical and mental well-being. A deeper understanding of these experiences can inform the design of supportive, educational, and counseling interventions tailored to their needs.
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