Caring is Not a One Man Show”: Family Caregiver’s Experiences in Caring the Dependent Elderly in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Advanced in healthcare technology, medical sciences and health care system have resulted in considerable prolongation of life. Ageing population is increasing globally. An old age is a period of the individual suffers losses in physical appearance, strength, role and status, which resulted in increase on their disability and physical illnesses. Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) contributes to factor causing elderly to become dependent. Consequently, this demands the caregiver to care and assist with their daily activities. To explore the experiences of family caregiver in caring dependent elderly in Brunei Darussalam. This qualitative descriptive study employed phenomenology approach. Interviews with eleven family caregiver of dependent elderly were conducted from 2017 to June 2018. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was performed. Data analysis revealed three main themes. This includes; The demands and cost of caring, Cultural expectation and obligation and finally, Coping mechanisms and strategies. Caring for dependent elderly by family caregivers has both positive and negative impacts and considered a burden to them. This study highlighted the importance of family involvement, the support from others and various coping mechanism used to cope with their caring duties in caring for the dependent elderly.