CRUZ, E. K. L.; CRUZ, ELLEN KAROLAINE LUCENA DA.; DA CRUZ, ELLEN KAROLAINE LUCENA.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2667418535881330; CRUZ, Ellen Karolaine Lucena da.
Resumen:
Care involves an important responsibility of an individual towards another and
encompasses more than a moment of attention and dedication. It portrays an attitude of
occupation, accountability, concern and emotional involvement with another being and,
therefore, is part of the instinct and nature that makes up the human being. Objectives: To
analyze family experiences of informal care for the frail elderly in the context of oral narratives;
present oral narratives about family care experiences for the elderly; and identify difficulties
experienced by family members in caring for frail elderly people. Methods: Descriptive
exploratory study and qualitative approach, supported by the theoretical contribution of Oral
History. The population consisted of 17 family members of frail elderly people who are directly
responsible for their informal care. The instrument used was an interview script prepared by the
researchers. The analysis of the narratives was guided by the methodology of Oral History and
the technique of Content Analysis by Bardin. Results: Based on the narratives, three categories
of analysis could be constructed, considering the axis of informal care for the frail elderly: I)
The dichotomy between discontent and satisfaction of family members; II) The daily life of
informal support to human needs; and III) Overload in face of the multiplicity of housework
tasks. Final considerations: A relevant parallel of contentment and dissatisfaction was
evidenced in caring for a dependent elderly person, care that is mainly focused on basic support.
Caregiver burden also emerges as an indicator of direct impairment in the quality of care
provided to the frail elderly.
