Lived Experiences of Formal Ilonggo Caregivers of Old Adults in Iloilo City, Philippines: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
Jenny Babe P. Amistoso
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors’ College, Infante St., Molo, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Philippines.
Ma. Angelene A. Arroyo
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors’ College, Infante St., Molo, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Philippines.
Chrysia Daynse S. Bantang
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors’ College, Infante St., Molo, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Philippines.
Christine Joy O. Camposano *
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors’ College, Infante St., Molo, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Philippines.
Kyna Shanice B. Escasulatan
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors’ College, Infante St., Molo, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Philippines.
Virjon Grace A. Navarro
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors’ College, Infante St., Molo, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Philippines.
Julie O. Macanda
College of Arts and Sciences, Iloilo Doctors’ College, Infante St., Molo, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To explore the lived experiences of formal caregivers while providing care for older adults in a private care facility in Iloilo City, Philippines.
Study Design: Qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design.
Place and Duration of Study: A private care facility in Barangay Airport, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Philippines. Data were collected on August 11–12, 2026.
Methodology: Six female formal caregivers with Caregiving NC II certification and at least one year of caregiving experience in the facility were purposively sampled. Face-to-face, semi-structured in-depth interviews (approximately 25 minutes to 1 hour) were conducted in Hiligaynon and English, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Trustworthiness followed Lincoln and Guba’s criteria, and bracketing, reflexive journals, member checking and a qualitative audit were used.
Results: Four themes emerged: Katungdanan: Living the Responsibility of Care, Paghangop: Understanding the Realities of Caregiving, Pag-kabig: Family-Like Caregiving, and Kabililhon: The Value of Caregiving. Caregiving was lived as a continuous, shared responsibility involving attentiveness to residents’ needs and safety. Caregivers made sense of challenging behaviours, initial fear, exhaustion, deterioration and loss by gradually understanding residents, themselves and the limits of care. Sustained interaction fostered family-like relationships marked by attachment, trust and companionship. Caregivers found purpose in being needed and in contributing to residents’ comfort and well-being.
Conclusion: Formal caregiving extends beyond routine tasks to include responsibility, emotional involvement and meaningful relationships. Care facilities should provide adequate resources, strengthen workplace support, and establish structured mechanisms, such as debriefing, grief support, mentoring and manageable scheduling, to help caregivers manage psychological and emotional demands.
Keywords: Formal caregivers, residential care, meaning-making, phenomenology, Filipino caregivers, old adults