This is a qualitative, convergent care study which aims to describe self-care actions, based on care habits of the elderly with chronic renal failure, who are also diabetic nephropathy carriers in hemodialytic treatment. Data was collected and scales of functional evaluation were applied to nursing cares actions for seven elderly patients from April 26th through June 31st, 2007. Methodological proposition of the Discourse of Collective Subject was applied for arrangement and analysis of the information. Eight main ideas emerged: partially obey what it is explained; be aware of sugar, sweet candies, and use of sweeteners; obey medical orders and alternate areas of application; dependence on insulin application; keep arm from doing work; dependence for the visually deficit and lack of knowledge of medicines; nourishment control, distraction, and tranquility; tendency towards isolation. The challenge of self-care is to build independence and possibilities for open and productive communication between the elderly and their relatives.
Geriatric nursing; Aged; Renal insufficiency, chronic; Diabetes mellitus