The objectives of this qualitative research are to describe message formation between caregivers and elderly with dementia and to analyze the factors that certify the caregivers' communication effectiveness. The Sensible Creative Method was applied in two creativity and sensitivity group dynamics which developed group discussion, participative observation, and image production in eight meetings with 25 Neurogeriatric Center caregivers, in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil from August, 2005 to April, 2006. Discourse analysis was used to organize and treat the data. The results pointed out that message formation from the caregiver to the elderly is affected through the intentionality of the caregivers' desired action, considering three factors in its construction: its content, its treatment, and its code. This implies that health care professionals, especially nurses, should orient caregivers in effective communication.
Geriatric nursing; Caregivers; Health of the elderly; Communication; Communication disorders