<b>Family caregivers of elderly: structure and development</b> - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v10i3.9754

Abstract

This exploratory descriptive study of qualitative nature aimed at: Identification of the type and life cycle stage of families with an elderly dependent. We selected a convenience sample, 108 families from a northern region of Portugal. To collect information, we used the genogram construction with the support of a semi-structured interview to the family caregiver. To perform the content analysis we chose the steps proposed by Bardin. Data were collected in the period between October 2007 and June 2008. The results highlighted that families with dependent elderly are of nuclear type with or without children, with adult children or elderly, or they are in the "empty nest" stage. The obtained data are important on the decision making of the care given not only to the elderly but also to families who are the primary caregivers. We seek to encourage nurses to expand this field of intervention.