Abstract
This study explored the lived experiences of solo family caregivers of aging parents with medical conditions to uncover their caregiving stories and to develop a psychosocial capacity-building program tailored to their specific needs. A qualitative research design was employed, allowing participants to share their in-depth personal experiences. Eight (8) family member caregivers participated in the study and were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The study employed face-to-face interviews with a validated semi-structured questionnaire, and participants’ journeys and experiences were examined using a phenomenological approach. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis, which enables the researcher to identify common patterns that provide significant answers to the study's research questions. The results present eight (8) interconnected themes, namely; (1) Inevitable Filial Duty and Responsibility, (2) Evolving Acceptance and Meaning-Making, (3) Personal Sacrifices and Challenges, (4) Structured Daily Life and Routine Integration, (5) Coping and Maintaining Personal Well-being, (6) Career and Life Path Adaptation, (7) Social Connections and Support System, and (8) Adaptability and Resilience in Role Management. Their experiences highlight the caregiving journey, marked by responsibility, sacrifice, adaptation, and resilience. Based on these findings, the researcher proposed the KABALIKAT program, a psychosocial capacity-building initiative explicitly designed for solo family caregivers. This program aims to support caregivers’ emotional and social well-being while addressing the personal and role-related strains they often experience, thereby enabling them to provide better care for their aging parents.
