Taking care of rural families in the family development perspective

Abstract

This article has the purpose to present the results of an assistance given from October to December 2004 to agricultural families at their beginning of a family life cycle. The theoretical referential used was the Family Development Theory and the methodological referential was based on the Family Health System approach and in the attributes of the familial care. The caring process was carried out with two rural families. As a result, a caring process together with a discussion on the applicability of the theoretical and methodological references, as well the adaptations that were carried out, is presented. Practice brings some contributions for the nursing care to the families. The Family Development Theory provided theoretical support for the development of the nursing care process, bringing a better knowledge on the care needed by the rural families, especially in their early and late stages. The advantages of the referred approach is on the reflection generated throughout the entire process, mainly, concerning to the support provided to the nurse who takes care of rural families.