Caregiver of a family member with disabling chronic diseases: perceptions, motivations and repercussions

Abstract

Objective: identify the family caregiver perceptions and motivations, as well as the impact on his life of care provided to familiar with disabling chronic illness. Method: it is a qualitative exploratory and descriptive research conducted in the South of Brazil, with ten caregivers, chosen by drawing. To collect the data it was used semi structured interview and for the analysis it was used content analysis. Results: it was noted that each caregiver had particular perceptions, difficulties, and personal motivations. The repercussions were mostly related to physical and emotional conditions, such as excessive physical efforts, premature aging, eating disorders, changes in sleep and rest and leisure activities. Final considerations: it is suggested to health-care professionals to understand better and better the family care, as well as the particularities of each family, accepting the caregiver as an ally in care