Experiences of Caring for Others and Self-Care Among Care Workers Serving the Vulnerable Population

Abstract

As the demand for social care increases, the topic of good care continues to be discussed. The purpose of this study was to provide a contextual direction for good care by exploring in-depth experiences of caring for others and self-care among care workers serving the vulnerable population. To achieve this, five carers from a vulnerable class were recruited through intentional and snowball sampling. Qualitative research was conducted through in-depth interviews. Within case and between case analysis methods were used. As a result of this study, experiences of caring for others and self-care among vulnerable care workers resembled a symphony of fate, including major and minor keys and repetition. Care for others and self-care revealed six sub-elements (expectations of caregiving, satisfaction of caregiving, limitations of caregiving, vulnerability in self-care, burnout in self-care, and realignment of self-care) and a total of 26 units of meaning. The central theme was ‘transition and repetition toward the balance of good care (harmony).’ Finally, based on findings in this study, social welfare practices and policies are suggested.