Explore Caregiver Burden and Wellbeing in Caregivers of Bedridden Elderly

The well-being of the bedridden elderly depends greatly on their caregivers. Therefore, this study will explore the burden of care and the well-being of bedridden elderly people in their homes. The study was carried out qualitatively using the face-to-face interview technique. A total of 5 informants, consisting of bedridden elderly caregivers in Kota Bharu district of Kelantan, have been successfully interviewed. The results of the study were analyzed thematically using manual analysis. The results showed that there are four themes of the burden of caring for the bedridden elderly, namely the level of dependency, time of care, elderly behavior and caregiver's coping capability. There are elderly people who are completely dependent on a single caregiver and refuse their daily activities to be done by other individuals. The behavior of elderly people, who like to be angry and yell, demands a lot of patience and puts pressure on the caregiver. Some caregivers have to monitor the elderly 24 hours a day until they neglect their own needs. Continuous care might cause caregivers to experience burnout and spillover, thus needing time to care for themselves. Caregivers admit that they are at risk of causing adverse effects on the elderly, such as hurting them or their feelings. In conclusion, elderly caregivers need rest for a while (Respite care). It is suggested that an awareness program on the need for caregivers to rest and the provision of respite care facilities and services by various agencies should be expanded throughout the country.