Caring for elders with Alzheimer’s disease: experiences of family caregivers

Alzheimer’s disease compromises an elderly person’s functional capacity, increasing his or her need for assistance. This study aimed to better understand processes involved in caring for elders with dementia. A descriptive, transversal method was used; data were collected between August, 2005 and Au...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Pavarini, Sofia Cristina Iost, Melo, Larissa Coelho de, Silva, Viviane Manara, Orlandi, Fabiana de Souza, Mendiondo, Marisa Silvana Zazzetta de, Filizola, Carmen Lúcia Alves, Barham, Elizabeth Joan
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2017
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG)
Repositorio:Revista Eletrônica de Enfermagem
Idioma:portugués
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs.revistas.ufg.br:article/46488
Acceso en línea:https://revistas.ufg.br/fen/article/view/46488
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Aged
Family
Alzheimer disease
Caregivers
Geriatric nursing
Geriatric Nursing
Anciano
Familia
Enfermedad de Alzheimer
Cuidadores
Enfermería geriátrica
Enfermería Geriátrica
Idoso
Família
Doença de Alzheimer
Enfermagem geriátrica
Enfermagem Geriátrica
Descripción
Sumario:Alzheimer’s disease compromises an elderly person’s functional capacity, increasing his or her need for assistance. This study aimed to better understand processes involved in caring for elders with dementia. A descriptive, transversal method was used; data were collected between August, 2005 and August 2006. In-home interviews were conducted with family caregivers for demented elders (N = 14), service users at a school for healthcare practices. The data were analyzed using Bardin´s model for Content and Theme Analysis. The results show that the majority of caregivers confuse the onset of the disease with normal aging processes. As the disease progresses, the elders’ dependence levels increase. The elders’ behavior changes have a strong emotional impact on their caregivers. Some key factors that affect the caregiving experience include the stage of the disease, the strength of the family support network and family history.