Introduction: The evolution of family structures changes family roles, and challenges in providing care for the elderly. Thus, the exploration of the factors limiting the care of elderly in families is the aim of this study. Method: This was a qualitative study of the experiences of 11 family elderly caregivers through in-depth, semi-structure interviews conducted in 2011-2012. After obtaining informed consents, data collection, recording, and transcribing were done. Data analysis was performed according to thematic analysis by Brown and Clarke. To ensure consistency and accuracy of data, credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability criteria were assessed. Results: In this study poor health, behavioral problems, shortcomings in knowledge, Insufficient experience, economic problems, problems with the physical environment, being busy, insufficient supportive relatives and friends, and failure in formal support were limitation factors in elderly care for families. Conclusion: Individual problems of family members and the weakening factors of social and familial conditions in elderly care cause family health system infrastructures to be fair and use of existing potentials to be insufficient for family support in elderly care. The role of nurses in the exploration of new strategies with the aim of reducing the gap between family needs and existing potentials will be an effective step in strengthening family health infrastructures. In order to complete the results of this study, further studies should be undertaken for assessing existing potential and new strategies for family support in elderly care.
Keywords: Family, Care, Elderly, Limitation factors, Thematic analysi
