By conducting a qualitative study of phenomenological approach, in order to understand what is caring for the dependent elderly in their relatives' viewpoint, it was possible to observe several aspects of this experience. Among them, we highlight that these caregivers are subjected to physical and mental overload. Objective: to present the results related to this overload, in order to provide information that contributes positively to complement the work of health staff towards dependent elderly people, considering that it must care for the family caregivers. METHOD: this is a descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study of phenomenological approach. Interviews were conducted with family caregivers of dependent elderly people. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews based on a guiding question. The interviews were taped and transcribed to further analysis. RESULTS: the family caregiver of dependent elderly people is an overloaded person, both physically and mentally, due to the accumulation of functions and tasks that takes. The chronic stress related to this experience can change their health. CONCLUSION: the fact that the family caregivers are women, with advanced age, and have to be responsible alone for all the cares, and also the level of functional capacity of the elderly, are factors that influence this overload.
Caregivers; Frail Elderly; Family; Health personnel