Abstract

AVELINO, Ana Clara Almeida et al. Care of older people suffering from a mental disorder from the perspective of the family. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2013, vol.serIII, n.9, pp.75-83. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIII1291.

With the trend towards an aging population all over the world, there is also growth in the number of cases of illness, including mental illness. The onset of mental illness and its consequences represent a challenge for health professionals and especially for families who need to make adjustments to address the conflicts and difficulties that arise in their daily lives. The objective of this work is investigate with families the difficulties encountered in caring for an older mentally ill person. We also analyzed the guidance offered by nursing professionals to these caregivers. This is an exploratory, descriptive study, carried out in CAPS II and III, with 14 family members and / or caregivers, in Campina Grande / PB / Brazil. To collect empirical data we used semi-structured interviews, and the analysis was done using the technique of collective subject discourse proposed by Lefévre and Lefévre. The ethical criteria used were the regulations of Resolution 196/96 National Health. The results show that the family of an older person with mental disorders experiences difficulties in care and considers caring to be a problem. The disabilities of the older person lead direct to dependency for daily activities, financial losses and impatience on the part of caregivers.

Keywords : older people; caregiver; psychiatric nursing.

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