Elderly Care at the Crossroads of Therapy and Family Support: A Qualitative Inquiry in Yazd City

Introduction Family caregivers play a crucial role in elderly care worldwide, with approximately 80% of the elderly receiving care from family members (Given et al., 1999). Historically, family members have been the primary support system for the elderly, especially during periods of physical decline. However, the growing elderly population and increasing life expectancy have placed disproportionate demands on both families and formal care infrastructures. A significant aspect of elderly care is the financial burden associated with medical expenses, which has become more pronounced in the current climate of inflation and economic instability. While extensive research on aging in Iran exists (Ahmadi et al., 2014; Parvai, 2019; Rezaie-Kahrodi, 2018; Zanjari, Sadeghi, and Delbari, 2018; Farhadi et al., 2015; Askarindooshan, Rouhani, and Abedidiznab, 2018; Mohammadi, Dabaghi, and Yadavar Nikroosh, 2016; Razghi Nasrabad, 2014), social research on elderly care issues remains relatively limited (Kososheshi, 2010; Koosheshi, et al., 2013; Modiri and Koosheshi, 2021). Consequently, the challenges faced by family caregivers require further exploration. Understanding the process of elderly care and its impact on various aspects of caregivers' personal and family life can be a complex and multifaceted issue (Charalambous, 2023). Therefore, it is imperative to scientifically investigate the dimensions of social care, socio-economic characteristics of caregivers, and expectations and challenges they face within the socio-cultural framework of Iranian society. This study focused on the experiences and challenges of family caregivers providing elderly care in Yazd, Iran. It analyzed the financial and economic pressures on caregivers and examined how Iranian families manage these constraints based on a field study conducted in Yazd. Materials & Methods This qualitative study employed a grounded theory approach to explore the experiences of 22 family caregivers in Yazd, Iran, each responsible for at least one elderly family member. In-depth interviews served as the primary data collection method. The study utilized purposeful and theoretical sampling strategies to select participants. Data analysis followed a systematic approach involving open, axial, and selective coding. The results were organized into main categories and subcategories to facilitate the identification of patterns and relationships within the data, thereby enhancing understanding of the phenomenon unde