A phenomenological study of the lived experiences of home-based caregivers of patients with chronic mental illness in Ga-Dikgale, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Previous studies have investigated caregiving within the family unit when a family member takes the role of the primary caregiver. These caregivers often experience many physical, emotional and psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression and stress. The present study sought to explore lived experiences of home-based caregivers of people living with chronic mental illness in Ga-Dikgale, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Eight caregivers of family members with chronic mental illness were sampled from Ga-Dikgale, Limpopo Province, South Africa, and requested to participate in the study. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured, individual face-toface interviews, and analysed using Hycner’s phenomenological explication process. The following themes were extracted from participants’ narratives. The role of homebased caregivers and their understanding of mental illness; challenges that they encountered; their coping strategies; support systems available for them; their psychological well-being; and suggestions for improvement. The study is concluded by, among others, recommending a collaborative approach amongst the Department of Health, NGOs and community healthcare services to facilitate support for home-based caregivers.