The Experience of Being a Caregiver for a Chronically Ill Elderly Person

Abstract

Objective: To understand how the experience of being a caregiver for an elderly person with a chronic degenerative disease evolves among women in San Cristobal Ecatepec, Mexico. Method: A qualitative study of four female caregivers who work with elderly patients with chronic degenerative diseases. In-depth interviews were used to collect the data, which were analyzed by establishing categories from a phenomenological standpoint. The research was conducted in Mexico, specifically in the city of San Cristobal Ecatepec in the State of Mexico, between March and June 2008. Results: The role of caregiver is assigned to women. The category described in the study refers to daily care. The information from the interviews reveals the conflict facing these caregivers: the moral responsibility of providing care to an elderly patient and the need to develop a project for a life of their own. Conclusions: The experience of being a caregiver is assumed as a moral responsibility and commitment to be met above and beyond any obligation for their own personal care. It is related to Mexican culture with respect to the construction of gender and family.