Cuidando en el hogar a una persona con enfermedad cerebrovascular: del desconocimiento a la satisfacción

Abstract

Introduction: cerebrovascular diseases generate disability and dependence. It is the family caregiver who assumes responsibility for the daily care of the patient with sequelae of this disease. Assuming this new role is not an easy activity and requires preparation and accompaniment. Objective: to know the experience of the family caregiver when they first take care of a person with sequelae of a stroke at home. Methodology: qualitative study with a grounded theory approach. 16 family caregivers participated. The information was collected through semi-structured interviews. The data analysis was done with initial, focused, axial and theoretical coding. Results: five categories were identified: Taking care of my family: a new experience, Changing the environment: making the experience easier, Support from others: feeling company in care, Feeling satisfaction: the result of care well done and Living care: between fear, faith and love. The central category was called Caring at home: from lack of knowledge to satisfaction. Conclusions: the experience of caring for the first time represents a challenge for the family caregiver to create new strategies that favor caring for the person. Nursing professionals have the responsibility of designing nursing interventions that meet the specific needs of this population.