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Strength and stress: Positive and negative impacts on caregivers for older adults in T hailand
Author(s) -
Gray Rossarin Soottipong,
Hahn Laura,
Thapsuwan Sasinee,
Thongcharoenchupong Natjera
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12266
Subject(s) - worry , gratitude , bliss , affection , psychology , family caregivers , caregiver stress , negotiation , medicine , gerontology , social psychology , anxiety , psychiatry , disease , sociology , social science , computer science , programming language , dementia , pathology
Aim To understand the experiences of caregivers with older people living in T hailand, particularly as related to quality of life and stress management. Method In‐depth interviews with 17 family caregivers were conducted and then data were thematically analysed. Results Carers experience not only negative impacts but also positive impacts from caregiving. Negative impacts include emotional stress, financial struggles and worry due to lack of knowledge. Positive impacts include affection from care recipients, good relationships with caregivers before needing care themselves and encouragement from the wider community. Opportunities to show gratitude, build karma (from good deeds) and ideas shaped largely by Buddhist teachings result in positive experiences. Negotiating between the extremes of bliss and suffering and understanding suffering as a part of life may help carers manage their stress. Conclusions Temples and centres for older people could be engaged to develop caregiving programs.