Determining factors in the situational transition of family members who care of elderly people with parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Objective: to investigate the facilitator and inhibitory factors in the transition of elderly caregivers with Parkinson’s disease. Method: a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study, based on the family transition nursing theory developed with 20 elderly caregivers of elderly people with Parkinson ‘s disease, enrolled in the Associação Parkinson de Santa Catarina, from March to August 2015. To analyze and interpret the data, we used the thematic analysis of content proposed by Bardin, with the help of the ATLAS.ti software for data organization. Results: some factors were identified and considered as facilitators for the process of transition from the familiar to the exercise of the role of caregiver, such as: previous experiences as caregiver; spirituality and religiosity; family support network and health services. Other factors were identified as inhibiting factors for transition: emotional and physical health conditions; advanced age; personal life activities/commitments; family financial burden; and inadequate family support. It was observed that most family caregivers reported having previous experience in caring, having advanced age, and being able to care for the elderly with the disease. However, he considers his condition of emotional and physical health insufficient, resulting in overload. Lack of access to health services and family and financial support make it difficult to provide care. Conclusion: nurses should seek strategies to direct attention to facilitating factors in the family context in order to help the family to achieve well-being and healthy transition to the role of caregiver.