Os cuidadores informais idosos

: desafios para a prática de cuidar em contexto domiciliário

Abstract

This dissertation aims to understand the difficulties experienced by elderlyinformal caregivers in providing care to another elderly person, in a domestic context. It is a study that provides knowledge about the well-being and quality of life of elderly informal caregivers in relation to the act of providing care, in a domestic context, safeguarding their rights as informal caregivers. It allows us to know if the elderlycaregiver is skilled and capable of caring by himself/herself and if he/she attains the appropriate competencies for this task. Thus, this dissertation focuses on the degree of satisfaction of an elderly informal caregiver in his/her daily life. Literature data suggest that the experience of an elderly informal caregiver diminishes physical and mental health. The perception of the elderly themselves must be considered. It is possible to identify elderly caregivers with the presence of comorbidities and decreased functionality, hindering their satisfaction in the caring practice. This study seeks to enhance the research and elaboration of this construct in gerontology, taking into consideration the complexity of the topic. It is therefore a qualitative type of study, with three case studies carried out, and the data processed through content analysis. The sample for this study consists of three elderly informal caregivers, with the corresponding husband/wife. The main results demonstrate that the burden on elderly informal caregivers is subjective. Some elderly informal caregivers describe this as a physically and cognitively exhausting role, also highlighting the fact that they do not currently have the capability to provide care. Conversely, we have the elderly informal caregivers who view the experience of caring with pride in the work they have been performing (whichis mainly reflected in seeing the person well-treated, well-cared for and happy), the awareness that one gives one's best, the sense of accomplishment and the fact that they see caring as an opportunity to express love and affection.

Date of Award	16 Feb 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	António Manuel Fonseca (Supervisor)