The dependence on aging process in the view of old age caregivers in a nursing home

Abstract

 The aim of the present study is to analyze the conceptions of dependence on aging process, within formal or professional caregivers in a nursing home in Maringá (PR). This is a study, of exploratory character, with caretakers working in a long-period-assistance institution. which, renders care to people over 60 years old. The population studied is constituted of ten professionals (a nurse, four technicians, three nurse-assistants, and two nurse-attendants). Data collection was carried out in August/2005 by using semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and later, have helped in the elaboration of an answering protocol that originated thematic categories, which inclueded the conceptions of dependence, its classificacion and the dependence/care patterns estimate. The dependence on others is considered a natural and expected thing or event, being associated (or not) to diseases, and it can lead the individual to certain limitations. Greater importance is attributed to the psychological-affective dependence, and most of caregivers have recognized that old people in daily care develop a behavioral dependence. It is evident that the lack of specific knowledge, as well as, the prejudice and the stereotyped vision of the old age process, in addition to deficient working conditions, among some other factors, can cause the increase of the dependence level and, consequently, can restrict autonomy, interfering in the quality of services provided to old people.

Key words: Caregivers; Dependency (Psychology); Geriatric nursing; Aged.