O cuidado segundo familiares de pessoas com doença de Parkinson

Abstract

Due to the increase in life expectancy in Brazil and consequent population aging, it is possible to observe that there is an increase in the prevalence of chronic and incapacitating diseases such as Parkinson's disease. In this context, the need for caregivers who assist these elderly in their demands becomes fundamental. What is perceived in Brazil is that this care, mostly, is carried out informally by the relatives of the chronic patient, resulting negative impacts on the dynamics, health and economy of the family that takes care of them. About that, the present research had as main objective to understand the process of taking care of a relative with Parkinson's disease. For this purpose, a qualitative study was developed, in the perspective applied to health, using a semi-structured interview script, constructed from the thematic life history technique, in six family caregivers of elderly people with Parkinson's, contacted in a philanthropic institution of attention to this public. The thematic content analysis pointed out that part of the caregivers is also elderly and has a life trajectory marked by care. It has been identified that there is physical, financial and psychic burden associated with care, which are often aggravated by lack of social support and unprepared caregivers. Considering the risk of illness of the caregiver due to the burden, it is important to emphasize the need for the State to share responsibility for these elderly people, as well as the importance of multiplying spaces where caregivers can also be cared.