Dementia is a degenerative disease, characterized by development of multiple cognitive deficits, leading the elderly to addiction. The following study, of qualitative nature, has as general aim to evaluate the perspective of informal caregivers about the psychologist’s role in caring for people suffering from dementia. The sample consisted of ten relatives, informal caregivers, namely wives or husbands, daughters or sons of these people suffering from dementia. For the data collection process, the interviews were conducted following a script, especially prepared for this purpose. The main results obtained, suggest that the informal caregivers’ perspective about the psychologist’s role is consistent with what they expect from him/her, that is, the psychological support, homeostasis, information that helps in daily living with the elderly and cognitive restructuring, in order to change behaviors and maladaptive attitudes. Furthermore, they report that he/she must have special characteristics. He/she must be someone experienced in this field, empathic, an active and affective listening person and simultaneously, someone with innate characteristics for the good performance of the job. In relation to taking care of people suffering from dementia, they point to the need to focus essentially on the informal caregivers. Nevertheless, it seems that psychologists have yet to go a long way, in order to state themselves as professionals. It is understood that many questions concerning psychologists’ role in assessment and intervention have not been clarified. As a matter of fact, recognition of the importance of the psychologist in the performance of his/her duties should be further clarified in order to assert him/herself in the most varied contexts, and in particular with regard to the aging of the population, which seems to be a reality evidenced at an accelerated pace.
Date of Award | 8 Feb 2017 |
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Original language | Portuguese |
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Awarding Institution | - Universidade Católica Portuguesa
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Supervisor | António Manuel Fonseca (Supervisor) |
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- The ageing
- Dementia
- Informal caregivers
- Role of the psychologist
A perceção do cuidador informal sobre o papel do psicólogo na demência
Capela, M. D. C. N. (Student). 8 Feb 2017
Student thesis: Master's Thesis