2025 Volume 45 Pages 466-477
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the various phases of caregiving by caregivers experienced in elder abuse, from assuming the care of the abused to re-establishing a stable lifestyle after the role dysfunction (abuse) that hindered care.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five caregivers from Prefecture A with experience in committing elder abuse. The interviews were qualitatively analyzed by directed content analysis based on a conceptual framework derived by the authors from Meleis’ Transitions Theory.
Results: Results: The results revealed that in situations where [caregivers assume the caregiver role on their own], they take on caretaking responsibilities and are relieved from role dysfunction situations in which [they feel trapped or are suffering under the current circumstances] by receiving caregiver support. Receiving support allowed the caregivers to re-establish stability in their day-to-day life.
Conclusion: After taking on a caregiving role, a temporary shift in the caregiving role was observed due to the support of public health nurses, other health care workers, and support services. If appropriate support was not received by caregivers, the caregiver’s burden was not relieved, leading to accumulation of burden and role dysfunction (or abuse). However, it was revealed that appropriate support interventions prevented abuse and relapses, which led to the caregiver being able to re-establish stability in their day-to-day life.
