Caregiving of aged people, either professional job or acquiring merit in God's sight: An example of qualitative research


Ontas Ö., Tunc M.

ARCHIVES OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS, vol.55, no.1, pp.200-204, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 55 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.archger.2011.08.002
  • Journal Name: ARCHIVES OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.200-204
  • Keywords: Geriatrics, Nursing homes, Caregivers, Needs of elderly, Qualitative care of elderly
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Nowadays because of lots of reasons, lifespan is increasing and caregiving of aged people becomes more and more important. Today it is understood how the professional care of aged people is significant, instead of being carried out by volunteers. Because of this, in this study we aimed to understand the problems, and thoughts of aging of caregivers who are working in nursing homes. This study was made using the so-called qualitative research, which is one of the research designs. Including general aim, interviews with 13 caregivers with structured questions, supported by spontaneous ones. Interviews were taped and transcribed verbatim. After that, they were grouped with the same themes. Thoughts are grouped with three main themes, which are about "aging", "working life", "caregiving of aged people". Aged people are described like people who are dependent, need interest, and represent the wisdom period. Also caregiving is described like both good job and punishment. Besides, the reason of working as a caregiver, is the economic needs. The suggestions of caregivers are increasing payment, giving psychological and emotional support, and also improving physical conditions. Economic satisfaction of caregivers, giving psychological support, caregivers with aged people and improving physical conditions are important to increase the quality of professional caregiving. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.