Health Conditions and Self-Care Activities of Older Caregivers Caring for Bedridden Older Adults
Keywords:
health conditions, self-care activities, older caregivers, bedridden older adultsAbstract
Abstract:
Objective: To study the health conditions and self-care activities of older caregivers
caring for bedridden older adults.
Design: Descriptive research.
Procedure: This study was conducted on 50 purposively sampled older caregivers
(60 years or above) of bedridden older adults in the Bangkok Metropolitan area. Data
were collected through semi-structured interviews, using (1) a general profle questionnaire;
(2) a health condition perception assessment questionnaire; and (3) an older caregiver’s
self-care ability measurement questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The caregivers rated their health as being in a moderate condition. The
majority of the caregivers achieved a high average on their self-care activities. An
analysis by category revealed the caregivers’ high scores on developmental self-care
requisites and on health deviation self-care requisities, whilst their score on universal
self-care requisities was moderate. The most highly scored self-care activity was fnding
a well-ventilated area, and the least scored activity was fnding time for relaxation. In
addition, caring for bedridden older adults meant the older caregivers had to make a
greater self-care effort than before assuming this role. The older caregivers most increased
self-care activity was management of their stress and emotional changes, whilst their
most reduced self-care activity was engagement in social activities.
Recommendations: Based on the fndings, it is recommended that health-care
staff advise or support older caregivers to fnd time for relaxation and balance their own
self-care and their caregiving responsibilities.
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