Experience of Rural Family Caregivers for Older Adults in Co-Residential Family Care Arrangements in Central Ethiopia: Motives of Family Caregivers in Reciprocal Relationship

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the experience of rural family caregivers’ motive to care for older adults in rural Ethiopia. Methods: We used a descriptive phenomenological study method. Data from semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled caregivers were inductively coded and developed into themes. Mechanisms were used to increase the trustworthiness of the study. Results: The main theme that emerged from the data as motives for caregiving for rural older adults are traditional norms of filial responsibility and indebtedness, religious values, quality of a relationship, and older adults’ reciprocity materially, in knowledge, work sharing, and emotional companionship. Conclusion: There is no single motive among family caregivers that initiate co-residential caregiving for older adults. Multiple motives of obligation, altruism, religious values, emotional attachment, economic motive, and reciprocity of care have contributed to co-residential family care. Recommendation: Strengthening the capacity of family caregivers through training and economic support to care for older adults should be emphasized. Early child-parent relationships and religious values should get attention from family practitioners and policymakers.