Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.1
The Experience of Providing Home Care Services and the Support Needs of Formal Caregivers for People with Trauma Experiences
Maja Laklija
orcid.org/0000-0002-2580-4983
; Katedra za područja socijalnog rada, Studijski centar socijalnog rada, Pravni fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Zagreb
Ana Hermanović
; Židovska općina Zagreb, Zagreb, Republika Hrvatska.
Abstract
Formal caregivers may be exposed to occupational stress, job burnout, vicarious trauma,
and other risks due to the intensive contact with users who experienced trauma (Holocaust survivors) and the demands of their work roles. As this topic has been relatively underexplored in research, the aim of this paper is to deepen knowledge about the caregiving experience and the support needs of formal caregivers for survivors (N = 7). Data were collected using a semi-structured interview method and analysed using a frame analysis approach. The research results indicate the complexity of the caregiver’s role and the numerous challenges they face in performing their work. Caregivers report the impact of exposure to their users’ traumatic experiences through negative aspects that refer to the description of the experience as emotional arousal and changes in cognitive schemas about the world and people. However, they also recognise the positive aspects of exposure to user’s trauma. The strategies they use to cope with challenges are both emotion-focused and problem-focused approaches. The research identifies the need for systematic support to help caregivers address the challenges of their caregiving role and prevent burnout and vicarious trauma. It also provides guidelines for improving support systems for caregivers and care for their health, thus enhancing the quality of service provided to users.
Keywords
formal caregivers; Holocaust survivors; trauma; caregiving challenges; support needs
Hrčak ID:
329671
URI
Publication date:
31.3.2025.
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