Responsibility and burden from the perspective of seniors' family caregivers: a qualitative study in Shanghai, China.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the experience of seniors' family caregivers with regarding the responsibility, burden and support needs during caregiving in Shanghai, China. MATERIALS AND METHODS An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative design was used and a semi-structure interview was conducted. A convenience sample of 11 participants in two community service centers in Shanghai was recruited. Data saturation guided the size of the sample. The Colaizzi method of empirical phenomenology was used for interviewing and analyzing data obtained from 11 caregivers. RESULTS Three major themes were found: It is a hard work; It is my responsibility; Social support is not enough. CONCLUSION The findings of the study are practical and helpful for health care providers to develop appropriate caregiver support services, to balance the responsibility and burden of caregivers, and to consider the factors influencing the utility of support services.