Caregivers' experience of caring for family members with complex health needs in Latvia.

The article investigates the experiences of family caregivers providing long-term care for relatives with complex health needs—including dementia, depression, schizophrenia, opioid use disorder, Down syndrome, and mild cognitive impairment—in Latvia. Through semi-structured interviews with seven caregivers, the study identifies common themes such as initial shock upon diagnosis, emotional adaptation, stigma, and the search for support, alongside variations influenced by care recipients' age, relationship, and caregivers' childhood experiences. Key risk factors affecting caregivers' quality of life include feelings of guilt, lack of family and professional support, financial difficulties, and neglect of self-care, while protective factors involve awareness of personal limits, coping with stigma, and improved life quality. The findings highlight the need for enhanced social, mental health, and informational support tailored to family caregivers within the Latvian cultural and healthcare context.