Abstract

ALMEIDA, Luciane; AZEVEDO, Rosemeiry Capriata de Souza; REINERS, Annelita Almeida Oliveira  and  SUDRE, Mayara Rocha Siqueira. Care performed by family caregivers to dependent elderly, at home, within the context of the Family Health strategy. Texto contexto - enferm. [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.3, pp. 543-548. ISSN 0104-0707.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-07072012000300008.

This exploratory-descriptive study was performed using a qualitative approach, with the objective to describe how family caregivers perform care to a dependent aged person. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, performed with 24 caregivers, at their homes. The results showed that the care that is delivered with the dependent aged person is an activity that leads to changes in the lives of the caregivers, which can generate physical, emotional and social stressors. Nursing, as an essential element of the Family Health Strategy, should be careful regarding the health needs of dependent aged individuals, while also being close to caregivers, in the sense of guiding them and following the care being provided, with the purpose of providing comprehensive healthcare support, i.e., to the aged person and his or her family.

Keywords : Caregivers; Aged; Nursing; Family health; Home nursing.