Uncovering caregiving experience of carers of people with schizophrenia under the Long-Term Care project in Taiwan

Since Taiwan's 1980s deinstitutionalization policies, unpaid carers have shouldered increasing responsibility for individuals with schizophrenia (PWS), experiencing significant caregiver burden. The Long-Term Care (LTC) project, launched in 2007, aimed to alleviate this burden by providing publicly funded care services, however, PWS were not included until 2017. This research examines the extent to which current LTC services support carers of PWS. This study presents insights from thirty carers of PWS in Taiwan, gathered through semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted between May and July 2023. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the interviews. Core themes include the carers' learning journey, navigating a conflicted and undermined sense of self, accessibility of care services, and challenges in engaging with the LTC system. Carers undergo self-revision, accepting diagnoses and learning self-care, while also facing a conflicted and undermined sense of self. The criteria for care services, complex assessment processes, and support from professional workers are crucial for PWS to access LTC 2.0. Previous experiences of carers applying for LTC 2.0 indicate that preconceptions of service providers and insufficient/miss information may hinder carers from accessing LTC services. Carers of PWS require continuous support, focusing on understanding diagnoses and promoting self-care. Simplifying LTC application processes would enhance service utilisation. Additionally, education programs should be developed for professional workers to better assist PWS and their carers in accessing formal services as needed.