THE PROBLEMS OF INFORMAL CAREGIVERS ON LONG-TERM CAREGIVING OF THE ELDERLIES

Abstract

Malaysia is expected to become the elder country by the year 2035 and elderly caregiving is the main issue in the old population. Although the elderly are expected to live for a longer period, half of them are in an unhealthy condition, sick and suffering from the disease. Thus, they need to be taken care of for a longer period formally or informally. However, most of the family members have chosen to take care of the elderly informally. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to identify the problems that are faced by the caregivers on long-term caregiving of the elderly. Informal caregivers need to encounter a financial problem, affected health, difficulty in determining the caregiving rotation and lack of knowledge or information pertaining to elderly caregiving. Hence, the roles of caregiving in the long-term period could burden and affect the informal caregivers’ well-being.