Daily life changes of family caregivers of subjects affected by Acquired Brain Injury in productive age

Abstract

Introduction: Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) causes major changes for the affected subject as well as for their relatives. Objective: The objective of this study was to reflect on the changes in daily life of family caregivers of ABI subjects in productive age, analyzing, especially, the impact of the absence from work of brain injured subjects on the perception of their relatives. Method: This is a descriptive study with qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out between June and December 2014, through active search in public rehabilitation services in Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy of a medium-sized inland city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 27 caregivers participated in this study, 26 of them were family caregivers and only one was a formal caregiver (excluded from the study since it did not contemplate our objective). Results: Data were analyzed using the Content Analysis method and are presented into two categories: 1) Family caregiver: a new role to play; 2) Perception of family caregiver on absence from work of ABI subject and its repercussion to family life. Conclusion: ABI brought to family caregivers feelings of fear and anguish in the act of caring, as well as physical exhaustion; it also brought financial difficulties and social isolation to family caregivers of subjects with ABI