RESUMO
Background: The current study explored the factors that motivate caregivers to continue providing care totheir family member suffering from dementia. Maximum variation sampling was employed. In depthinterviews were conducted with each caregiver till saturation was reached. A total of five hours of interviewdata was transcribed verbatim and 75 pages of the transcribed data were analyzed using thematic analysis.18 themes were identified under the area of motivating factors.Methodology: The data collection was done through face - to - face in – depth interviews. The sampleincluded was adult female family members of the patient suffering from dementia. They were selectedthrough medical and mental health professionals.Results: Five hours of audio taped data derived from in depth interview with five caregivers was transcribedverbatim. 75 pages were analysed using thematic analysis. Most of the existing research focuses on the stressand health issues caregivers face. Little research exists about what motivates individuals to choose to providelong term care to their deteriorating family members. Seven areas were explored.Conclusion: 18 themes were found under motivating factors. These were maternal instincts, reciprocity,responsibility towards family, lack of assistance, lack of an option, caregiver’s personality, care and love,viewing caregiving as an opportunity to show concern, concern for patient’s safety, patient’s attitude towardsthe caregiver, guilt, viewing the patient as vulnerable, view of oneself, desire for normalcy, identifying withthe patient, personal anxiety, final years and hope