OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study intends to identify how a family system reacts before the situation of dependence of a senior family member, which resources it uses to maintain the stability and the nursing attendance made available in this context. METHODS: The approach of the family systems was used as the theoretical reference, and action-research as the method. The data were collected in the period from November/2004 to January/2005, through the construction of a genogram, an ecomap and problem definition. RESULTS: Main family demands: anticipated mourning, overload on the role of caregiver, lack of knowledge regarding the disease and family maladjustment before the crisis. Main interventions: motivating the family to speak openly about the illness, offering suggestions and information, praising the family strength and ensuring prompt service. CONCLUSIONS: With family attendance as the systemic focus, it was possible to propose healthcare interventions to improve the quality of family life so as they could devise their own solutions to face adversities.
Family relations; Homecare nursing; Old age assistance; Family nursing
