The experiences of male home-based caregivers who render services within the City of Tshwane Metro muncipal area

Abstract

This study examined the experiences encountered by male home-based caregivers when rende-ring care to patients within the city of Tshwane Metro Municipal area. By focusing on the distinctive experiences of male caregivers, this exploratory-descriptive qualitative study sought to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding home-based caregiving, which was found to be scanty, particularly on this subject. This comprehensive exploration of the male caregivers’ complexities and subtleties when caring for patients were explored and described from the family systems and social support theoretical perspectives and included a review of general literature from the field of home-based care as well as the social work principles, doctrines, and values. Many facets of the male caregiver experiences were examined through semi-structured interviews with male caregivers involved in caring for patients from within their home environments, being the central focus, including their communication, collaboration, decision-making, emotional support and the caregiving impact on the caregiver’s well-being. Using individual semi-structured interviews data collection tool, the collected data was analysed thematically according to Braun & Clarke’s approach to qualitative data analysis. Leading to several issues encountered by male caregivers, including emotional distress, lack of support, and juggling between various roles. Strategies such as finding an informal support system, practicing self-care, and using community resources to reduce the caregiving stress, were found to be common mechanisms for coping. For study rigor, the researcher was guided by the classical principles of credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability as proposed by Guba and Lincoln, while general international research ethical standards such as informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, avoiding harm and beneficence adopted during the declaration of Helsinki were upheld throughout the study. Based on the findings, it is suggested that to enhance the effectiveness of caregiving, special intervention programs for male caregivers and an increased representation of male caregivers in the formulation of policies and plans should be promoted.