This study investigated 32 daughters who take care of fathers/mothers with probable/possible Alzheimer's Disease (AD). It focused on evaluating daughters initial reactions facing the diagnosis; their conceptions concerning the personal characteristics of the diseased before and after AD; the main reasons that brought them to be the caregivers, nurses, of their parents and what are the feelings towards the activity role. An interview was elaborated, then recorded, transcribed and analyzed according to Bardin's technique (1977/2000). It was verified that they presented an unfavorable first reaction facing the disease. The most appointed motivations were the feelings of obligation and gratitude. In general, they did not feel at easy executing this duty. Nevertheless benefits as self-growth were appointed by some. It is concluded that the activity of care giving is heterogenic, multiply faced and the subjective evaluations of the interviewed were influenced by religious beliefs, familiar rules, the relationship with the elderly and perceptions of old age and care giving.
caregivers; daughters; alzheimer; dementia; elderly
