Nursing team expectations and caregivers' activities in elderly-patient hospital care

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify caregivers' activities in elderly-patient hospital care and the activities that the nursing team expects caregivers to perform, according to activity frequency (always, when necessary, and never). Interviews were carried out with thirty family members of hospitalized elderly patients and with 30 nursing professionals. The results showed there were very significant differences in terms of frequency: always, regarding the activities changing position, cleaning mouth and teeth, dressing and undressing, sitting, standing, and caring for the skin; when necessary for the activities standing, using the toilet, walking, and exercising; and never for the activity walking.