Love and Duty in the Final Chapter: Stories of Home-Based Family Elder Caregiving

This phenomenological study describes the emotional labor of caregiving for a family elder at end of life. The study increases understanding of how family members are inducted into the role of providing home-based care for a family elder. The analysis yielded a tentative theory of cyclic induction into caregiving. Participants (nine women, three men) share their caring stories and the meaning they ascribe to their experiences. Thematic analysis revealed descriptions of what the caring experience is like, family system struggles, conflicts over correct care, abuse and neglect allegations, and caregivers making meaning from their emotional labor in caring. The findings show that family elder caring at home is prompted by attachment and determination to make a difference for a loved one. Stories reveal stressful journeys, yet participants reiterate the importance of caring, frequently saying they would do it again.