Family dynamics of the older elderly and his caregiver

Abstract

Nowadays he phenomenon observed in life prolongation among elders with 80 or more years of age, is no longer exceptional. However, that condition is usually associated with fragility due to aging turning the elderly more vulnerable to several circumstances of his life, becoming a substratum from elders in the fourth age who often need care from others. Thus, the aim is to understand families functioning patterns on their daily basis and daily care of the elderly in the context of Florianópolis, SC. Descriptive evaluative diagnosis research,  using the method of questioning,  had  the participation of seniors of  80 years old and over dependent on care along with family caregiver that were selected among the ones registered at the Family Health Program, in order to assess family dynamics, by Family APGAR,  quality of life by WHOQOL and  life style  by Nahas Scale. Results: The elderly rated their families with good functionality. But, it must be considered with reservations, because on both quality of life evaluations from   the elderly and the caregiver, responses were related to an average level, denoting some difficulty on coping within the family regarding care to the elderly.