Um olhar sobre o cuidador em instituição de longa permanência para idosos

Abstract

Aging, rather than a phase of human life, is a process that has implications for both the elderly and their caregiver and society. The present reality of the institutionalized elderly demands an in-depth study of the practices and knowledge that will offer support to those who work with subjects that approach the final course of life. Among the elderly, dementia comprises the group of the most important diseases that lead to progressive functional decline and gradual loss of autonomy and independence, requiring specific care. The caregiver as an indispensable figure in this function requires investments in technical and human training to know and better apply the available care resources. The present descriptive and exploratory study, with a qualitative approach, aimed to identify the difficulties of caregivers regarding the care provided to institutionalized elderly people with dementia or not dementia. The data collection instrument was used as a data collection instrument and a focus group, with a sample of 7 caregivers of both sexes, with and without technical training in the area, responsible for the care of the elderly residents of the Long-Term Residence for the Elderly "Vila Vicentina Júlia Freire". The data were analyzed by the Minayo Content Thematic Analysis method (2007). It was observed that caregivers have little technical knowledge, however, empiricism moves the work of these professionals. An in-depth knowledge of the dementias and their amplitude is necessary, in order to perform the care demanded in a more conscious way. In this sense, the present research identified the need for continuous updating of the professionals involved in care for the institutionalized elderly. In addition to the theoretical-technical knowledge it was verified that the subjective competences of caregivers represent an important impact of care.