Psychosocial Challenges and Care Burden Among Caregivers of Immobile Patients Receiving Home Care: A Phenomenological Study

The aim of this study is to thoroughly investigate the disease burden and psychosocial difficulties experienced by caregivers of immobile home care patients. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted to explore the experiences of 16 caregivers providing home care for bedridden patients. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling, and data were collected through individual telephone interviews conducted at times convenient for the caregivers. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. The data analysis resulted in four themes (psychosocial attrition and burnout, physical and financial burden, caregiving responsibility and commitment, and need for and search for support) and nine sub-themes (mental difficulties, social isolation, spiritual distress and coping, physical difficulties, financial difficulties, conscientious approach, impact on family relationships, lack of professional support, spiritual and family foundation) were identified. This study provides preliminary evidence that the process of caring for immobile home care patients negatively affects individuals psychosocially. Relatives of immobile patients experience serious physical, psychological and social problems due to caregiving and their daily lives are negatively affected. It has been found that caring for an immobile patient has a negative psychosocial impact on individuals.