Understanding Challenges Faced by Caregivers of Chronically Ill Older Adults in Determining Interventions for their Wellbeing: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

The problems that caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses deal with can have a range of repercussions. This study aims to evaluate the challenges experienced by those who care for older adults with chronic illnesses. The two main objectives of this research are to examine the challenges experienced by caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses and to identify the caregivers’ needs to improve their functionality. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses who received financial assistance from the Social Welfare Department of Penang to collect qualitative data. This study uses thematic analysis to highlight some of the challenges caregivers face, including increased costs for care, financial unrest, limitations of care elements, and a lack of social support. The study suggested several social work interventions to enhance the provision of social services based on the needs of the target population. All levels of government must act together, including the Social Welfare Department, which not only works with older adults but also supports those who care for them. The growing older adult population today has ushered in a new period of societal transition.