Family Caregivers of Seniors with Alzheimer's Disease
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23925/2176-901X.2017v20i1p409-426Keywords:
Alzheimer's disease, Caregiver, Family.Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the perspective of family caregivers of older adults with probable / possible diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: the initial reaction of the family before the probable / possible diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease; the main activities carried out with these elderly; sources of help in the care and the degree of satisfaction in relation thereto; the feelings experienced on the care task and the family dynamics after illness. The sample consisted of 17 family caregivers who relied on the help of the Association of Relatives and Friends of the Elderly (AFAI). Data were collected through a questionnaire with open and closed questions. The results showed that the initial reaction of the family was unfavorable against the probable / possible diagnosis of AD and with the progression of the disease, caregivers experienced unfavorable feelings about the care task and changes in family dynamics.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Caregiver; Family.