Abstract

SCHUCK, Lara Monteiro  and  DE ANTONI, Clarissa. Resilience and vulnerability in care for the elderly dependent: a case study. Temas psicol. [online]. 2014, vol.22, n.4, pp. 941-951. ISSN 1413-389X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.9788/TP2014.4-20.

The aging of the population and the development of chronic diseases in the elderly rase questions about the role of the family caregiver, which has been seen currently as a new social role. The aim of this study was to investigate, through a case study of a family who had under his care a dependent elderly member, the relationship between the caregiver and elderly from the perspective of the bioecological theory of human development (TBDH) and Positive Psychology, focusing on microsystem and the relationships between caregiver and elderly. The instruments used were one semi-structured interview, the Structured Family Interview, the Inventory of Perceived Family Support, a naturalistic observation, a genogram and documentary research in family records. Were identified as risk factors feelings of loneliness and uselessness of the elderly, burden and stress of caregiving and lack of formal and informal social support for this family. As protective factors, were found positivity and religious faith of the elderly, help in the care from other relatives and the presence of a health care team which paid home care. One realizes that the family is in the process of resilience, despite the presence of significant risk factors.

Keywords : Aged; caregivers; resilience; family.

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