“It seems like a never-ending job”: voices of female caregivers of older adults in the rural communities

TL;DR

Rural female caregivers of older adults struggle with self-care due to caregiving demands and lack of support, highlighting the need for gender-inclusive and tech-based solutions.

Contribution

This study explores self-care needs and strategies of rural female caregivers through a gender and social equity lens.

Findings

Caregivers reported no time for personal care and feelings of guilt and helplessness.

Common self-care strategies included social media, online church meetings, and owning a pet.

Respite policies and faith-based wellness programs are needed to support rural female caregivers.

Abstract

Rural female caregivers of older adults face significant caregiving challenges that puts them at high risk for poor self-care and wellbeing. Limited studies have examined the self-care needs of caregivers from a gender equity and social perspective.

Our study aims to explore the self-care needs and preferences of rural female caregivers and underlying key processes contributing toward their health and well-being.

A qualitative descriptive design was used for the study. A purposive sample of (n = 20) rural female caregivers was obtained. In-depth individual interviews were conducted for data collection. Each interview was about 45-60 min in duration. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data.

Major themes identified included: no time for personal care, feelings of guilt and helplessness, giving up on career goals and aspirations, marital devotion, and lack of social services and support. Common self-care strategies reported were use of social media, online church meetings and meditation, participation in voluntary services, and owning a pet.

Rural female caregivers need well informed and evidence-based respite policies and programs to support their overall coping, resilience, and well-being. Caregiving policies need to consider gender inclusive, faith and value-based wellness programs in rural communities. Technology can also offer innovative solutions to engage caregivers and promote their self-care.