Learning the meaning of care: a case study in a geriatric home in Upper Egypt
Author: Boggatz T, Dassen T.
Source:
Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 17(2), 155-163.
Geriatric care is a new phenomenon in Egypt. This study investigates how Egyptian
caregivers experience their work and how they conceive its meaning. A qualitative
case study in a geriatric home in Upper Egypt was conducted using structured
interviews with 10 staff members and content analysis according to Mayring.
Performing care required learning to overcome initial experiences of fear,
disgust, and sexual taboo. Care was perceived as a laborious repetition. Its
ideal form was described as a reaction to a demand combined with kind patience
and a family-like relationship. Christian and female values allowed coping with
experienced problems and alleviated conflicts between traditional gender roles
and care of male residents. Traditional values helped to adapt to the
requirements of providing care. Sexual taboos may reduce willingness to provide
care, but traditional values may encourage caregivers.