Being caregiver of people with Parkinson's Disease: experienced situations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To understand the experience of caring for a person with Parkinson's Disease. METHOD: We used the qualitative study and thematic analysis with family caregivers of people with Parkinson's Disease. RESULTS: Three thematic categories were identified, being: Feelings related to Parkinson's Disease; Changes in family daily routines; Caregiver strategies for self-care. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Family care has shown the need for health services to provide caregivers support, as they experience situations of overload in care that can contribute to their illness. The findings also allow nurses to see the need for differentiated care for caregivers that, by assisting them with their needs, favor the quality of life of the caregiver, reduce the possibility of illness, allowing a more efficient care to the entity with chronic illness.