Repercussions of care in the life of family caregivers of elderlies with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

In recent years there has been a progressive increase in the number of families confronted with the situation of caring for elderly relatives in a dependent condition, principally as a result of Alzheimer's disease. The objective of the present study was to investigate the repercussions of such care in the life of family caregivers of elderly relatives with Alzheimer's disease. By means of qualitative epistemology, the interview technique was used in the thematic life history modality, and applied to 20 caregivers of elderly individuals enrolled in the Brazilian Association of Alzheimer's Disease in the State of Amazonas, Northern Brazil. The results showed that renouncements emerge in the caregivers' testimonies as a significant repercussion of care. Social deprivation is a reality that is present in the lives of all the caregivers who took part in this study. Anger, impatience, fear, loneliness and shame are feelings experienced by the caregivers in their everyday lives, intermingling with feelings of satisfaction, happiness, compassion and retribution. It is important to highlight that in the present study the care situation lived by the caregivers was permeated by opposing feelings, being considered unpleasant in certain moments and pleasant in others. Thus, it is perceived that it is possible and relevant for the health professionals to identify the pleasure-promoting aspects in the care relationship, praising them before the others. Therefore, the possibility of facing the mishaps in the best possible way should be considered as an eminently present reality in the daily routine of care.