Abstract
ABSTRACTAims: The stress of caring for others can put caregivers’ health at risk, yet existing occupational therapy interventions largely focus on providing direct care. Capturing caregivers’ daily lived experiences may yield insights enabling occupational therapists (OTs) to better meet a broader scope of their needs. This phenomenological study aimed to uncover the daily occupations and experiences of spousal caregivers (n = 6). Methods: Data were collected over 4 months using a time-use diary (the Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile), individual interviews, and a focus group. Results: Inductive content analysis resulted in three themes: caregivers felt conflicted by experiences of pleasure and restoration outside of caregiving, occupational experiences revealed changes in daily patterns of life, and past occupational experiences influenced perceptions of caregiving. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the need for OTs to expand their roles with caregivers, supporting their ability to provide care and maintain their health and well-being.
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