Perceptions of Health and Self‐Care Needs Among Older Female Caregivers Living in Poverty in a High‐Income Country: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Aim To explore the perceptions of older female caregivers living in poverty in a high‐income country regarding their health and self‐care needs. Design Descriptive qualitative study. Methods Seventeen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with older female caregivers between October 2023 and March 2024. The reflexive thematic analysis method described by Braun & Clarke was followed, and ATLAS.ti 25 software was used for data analysis. Results The analysis identified one main overarching theme, ‘Caring as an expected role that shapes identity and daily life’ and two interrelated themes: (1) ‘The need for a holistic approach to self‐care’ and (2) ‘Caring on empty in the context of economic hardship and limited support’. Conclusion Self‐care among older female caregivers living in poverty is constrained by caregiving expectations and socioeconomic disadvantage. Addressing their health needs requires nursing interventions that recognise caregiving as a central element of their lives and adopt holistic, context‐sensitive approaches. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care Nursing interventions should comprehensively assess older female caregivers' multidimensional health needs and enhance access to integrated support and services, addressing structural gender and socioeconomic inequities to strengthen health, dignity, and resilience. Impact Living in poverty exacerbates the challenges older female caregivers face in attending to their own health and self‐care, increasing the risk of exhaustion, distress, and chronic illness. Recognising and addressing these needs through equitable, targeted interventions is essential to reduce health inequalities. Reporting Method The study has been reported following the COREQ guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution Limited patient and public involvement was incorporated, focusing on verification of their transcripts, ensuring accuracy and credibility in the interpretation of their accounts.