BACKGROUND:
Dementia caregiving is an essential but largely invisible part of public health systems, especially in settings with inadequate long-term care services. It is important to explore the lived experiences of caregivers to inform interventions and policies that promote the health and well-being of caregivers and people with dementia.

METHODS:
This qualitative research used in-depth interviews with caregivers of elderly people with dementia. Thematic analysis was used to explore the motivations, challenges, emotional and personal effects, coping mechanisms, and systemic support needs of caregivers.

RESULTS:
Five thematic domains were derived from the study. First, the motivations for caregiving were strong family bonds, affection for the elderly person with dementia, and a wish to help people with dementia. Second, the experience of caregiving was characterized by significant challenges, including the need for continuous patience, dealing with behaviour and mood changes, emotional effects, and day-to-day unpredictability. Third, the experience had a significant emotional and personal impact on the caregiver, including emotional exhaustion, the need for emotional endurance, and occasional feelings of fulfilment and purpose. Fourth, the caregivers used coping mechanisms such as personal networks and self-care techniques to deal with the emotional and structural challenges of caregiving. Lastly, the caregivers highlighted the need for systemic support and emphasized the importance of government recognition and increased availability of resources for caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS:
Dementia caregiving is driven by strong family bonds and altruistic motivations but is also characterized by significant emotional and structural challenges. It is essential to address the psychosocial needs of caregivers by improving systemic support systems and resources to promote the health and well-being of people with dementia and caregivers within public health systems.