| This study was conducted using the qualitative paradigm in order to understand the lived experiences of primary caregivers from the perspectives of the individuals being studied. This method included the use of the long, in-depth interview as an instrument to facilitate understanding of the beliefs and experiences of the primary caregivers within the study. There were ten participants involved in this caregiver study. The first wave of data focused on primary caregivers to frail elders, and the second wave of data focused on primary caregivers to individuals with traumatic brain injuries. This study was conducted as a phenomenological research project.; Themes emerged regarding the lived experiences of primary caregivers. In caregiving across groups, it was concluded that families provide most of the care for individuals with age-related fragility and individuals with disabilities, that there was a strong desire to provide primary care at home, and that there were rewards as well as challenges within the caregiving experience. In caregiving within groups, it was concluded that gender had an impact on the experiences of primary caregivers, that there was an impact of the developmental context of the family and of the caregiving experience, and that there was importance in understanding the concepts of loss and grief as experienced by caregivers. |
