Abstract

Background: Rural female caregivers of older adults face significant caregiving challenges that puts them at high risk for poor self-care and wellbeing. Limited studies have examined the self-care needs of caregivers from a gender equity and social perspective.

Objective: Our study aims to explore the self-care needs and preferences of rural female caregivers and underlying key processes contributing toward their health and well-being. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used for the study. A purposive sample of (n = 20) rural female caregivers was obtained. In-depth individual interviews were conducted for data collection. Each interview was about 45- 60 min in duration. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data.

Findings: Major themes identified included: no time for personal care, feelings of guilt and helplessness, giving up on career goals and aspirations, marital devotion, and lack of social services and support. Common self-care strategies reported were use of social media, online church meetings and meditation, participation in voluntary services, and owning a pet.

Conclusion: Rural female caregivers need well informed and evidence-based respite policies and programs to support their overall coping, resilience, and well-being. Caregiving policies need to consider gender inclusive, faith and value-based wellness programs in rural communities. Technology can also offer innovative solutions to engage caregivers and promote their self-care.

Comments

This is the publisher PDF of Lalani N, Katare B, Osei EA, Yang S, Wagle S, Gallegos JL and Ajuwon AM (2026) “It seems like a never-ending job: voices of female caregivers of older adults in the rural communities. Front. Public Health 13:1751524. Published CC BY, the version of record and ADA Title II compliant version in HTML can be found at DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1751524.

Keywords

selfcare, caregivers, burden, palliative, wellbeing

Date of this Version

1-15-2026

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