Family strategies used in the care of an elderly with chronic condition

Abstract

This work aimed at to reflect about the strategies used in the family care to the elderly with a chronic condition, starting from the theoretical referential of Symbolic Interactionism. Data were collected from eight families of senior individuals with chronic condition, enrolled in a Family Health Program of the municipal district of Maringá- PR. The methodology used was the Grounded Theory, and as a data collection technique it was used the participant observation. The analysis of data was based on the five development stages presented by Stern (1980). This data analysis propitiated the identification of four themes: strategies to reduce costs with the medical treatment; natural practices as family strategies in the care for the elderly; religiosity to care for the elderly with chronic condition; and the affection as a mean of caring for the elderly. The understanding of the strategies used in the care enhances the comprehension of the context in which the family care is given to the elderly.