Background In China, family care remains the main form of care for the disabled elderly. As the degree of disability of the disabled elderly increases, the challenges faced by family caregivers also increase. Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), it is essential to explore the third-party disability status of family caregivers of the disabled elderly after stroke and to understand the blocking factors, which will help to improve the quality of life of the family caregivers.
Methods This study was a qualitative descriptive study based on semi-structured face-to-face interviews. To explore the caring experience of 27 family caregivers of disabled elderly in Shanghai by purposive sampling. The Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was used to analyze the data and form themes. Finally, identify the elements of third-party disability for family caregivers.
Results Third-party disability among family caregivers of disabled elderly after stroke can be summarized into eight themes: physical health impairment, mental health impairment, increase in care tasks, estrangement of close relationships, termination of entertainment and social interaction, increasing economic pressure, lack of support system, care difficulties and needs.
Conclusions: Third-party disabilities are more severe among family caregivers of the disabled elderly. All sectors of society should attach great importance to the needs of family caregivers of the disabled elderly and address practical difficulties to achieve healthy aging.