Family Caregivers in Aphasia Context

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the views of an aphasia caregiver’s family group about the caregiver definition and its implications. The oral discourses produced by the eight family members were recorded within a context of group interaction. All 24 group meetings were transcripted, and regarding to this study, seven episodes were analyzed. The data were analyzed qualitatively by content analysis. In relation to the caregiver definition, it was verified some aspects related to gender, parental relationship, moral, social and religious questions. In respect to the caregiver implications it was verified some conflicts in the relations between the individual aphasic and their caregivers, because there are difficulties to recognize the possibilities and autonomy of aphasic individuals. This research also contributes to the discussion about the implications involving caregivers and caring singularities in the context of aphasia when considering the emotional, physical and linguistic dimensions. Besides, this study reiterates the need of specialized assistance to the patient, which should be offered by public health, so that the bonds between aphasics and their family can be preserved.