Pagtatap: Lived experiences of family caregivers of older adults with dementia

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of family caregivers of older adults with dementia in Iloilo City, Philippines, focusing on the influence of Filipino cultural values. Six primary caregivers, all female and aged from 20 to 54 years, who had provided home-based care ranging widely from 1 to 12 years participated in indepth face-to-face interviews conducted in Hiligaynon or English. The study examined caregivers’ responsibilities, motivations, challenges, coping strategies, and how cultural beliefs shaped home-based dementia care. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s sixphase thematic analysis, which revealed thirteen major themes and subthemes. Findings showed that caregiving responsibilities were multifaceted, including direct patient care, emotional and behavioral management, and household and resource management, requiring continuous adaptation as dementia progressed. Family caregivers were guided by Filipino cultural values, such as filial responsibility, utang na loob, pagmamahal sa pamilya, and spiritual guidance, framing caregiving as both a moral duty and an act of love. Family caregivers faced physical, psychological, social, and financial challenges, but also reported positive outcomes, including stronger family bonds, personal growth, and emotional fulfillment. To sustain caregiving, participants used faith-based practices, emotional regulation, social support, and practical self-care strategies. The study highlights that dementia caregiving in the Filipino context is deeply relational, culturally rooted, and both rewarding and challenging. These insights can inform family-centered interventions, caregiver education, and community programs to support caregiver well-being and improve home-based dementia care. 

Keywords: Family Caregivers, Dementia, Filipino Culture, Home-Based Care, Lived Experiences, Caregiving Challenges