Backbone of Care: Lived Experiences of Family Caregivers of Stroke Survivors in Guadalupe, Cebu City

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of five family caregivers of stroke survivors in a village in Cebu City, Philippines. Data was gathered through individual in-depth interviews and underwent interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three themes emerged: (1) Altruism of caregiving: Of self and family, (2) Victories in caregiving, and (3) Burdens of caregiving. Themes illustrated the duality of roles, overcoming difficulties of caregiving, and sources of motivation in caregiving. Findings indicate that a need for collaborative efforts and active involvement between the communities and occupational therapy with the healthcare system to provide programs and support to family caregivers.

Keywords:

• Caregiver
• stroke
• caregiving
• phenomenology
• Cebu

Acknowledgments

The researchers would like to acknowledge the support of Hon. Michael Gacasan – Barangay Guadalupe, Hon. Apol Enriquez – center head of Guadalupe Rehabilitation Center, and Ms. Joan Sarmiento, PTRP – Physical Therapist in-charge. Also, to the late Josefa Aviles, as inspiration for this study.

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.