Subjective life experiences of family caregivers of dependent older adults

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva Vol. 26; no. 1; pp. 47 - 56
• Main Authors: Gutierrez, Denise Machado Duran, Sousa, Girliani Silva de, Figueiredo, Ana Elisa Bastos, Ribeiro, Maria de Nazaré de Souza, Diniz, Cleisiane Xavier, Nobre, Guiomar Alegria Souza Silva
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva - ABRASCO 01.01.2021; Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletiva
• Subjects: Adults; Caregivers; Dependence; Depreciation; Inhibition (psychology); Older people; Symbiosis
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232020261.30402020

This study aimed to understand the subjective meanings attributed to home care by family caregivers of dependent older adults through a multicenter qualitative investigation that gathered 84 in-depth interviews with family caregivers from eight Brazilian locations. The hermeneutic-dialectic, theoretical, methodological framework was employed. The following categories emerged from the analysis: 1. Movements inhibiting emotions and feelings; 2. Presence of processes of symbiosis and emotional dependence in the older adult-relative relationship; 3. Contentment in caring for the dependent older adult; and 4. Giving up current and future life projects. The results reveal life experiences marked by symbiotic processes, emotional dependence, and psychic stress. Dependence causes suffering and feelings of despair, powerlessness, impatience, but also solidarity and empathy. Withdrawal from the job market, social depreciation of family caregiver's activity, social isolation, neglected self-care, and family conflicts impact caregivers' subjectivity. The elaboration of public policies must consider the social-affective life experiences of family caregivers of dependent older adults in order to include the care of those providing care.