A experiência do cuidador informal à luz da Teoria Geral da Enfermagem

Abstract

Aim: To understand the experience of informal caregivers in the care of the elderly victims of fall and proximal fracture of the femur and surgery. Method: This is a qualitative study carried out in a teaching hospital, using Bardin's content analysis as a methodological reference, and Orem's General Theory of Nursing as a theoretical reference. Results: Of the 14 informal caregivers, the majority were female and daughters of the patients. From the speeches of the participants, the thematic categories emerged: The day of the fall, a traumatic event; agony and tension by waiting for the bed and surgery; fear, frustration, and lack of preparedness of the informal caregiver; changes in the life, deprivation and overload of the caregiver; resilient care. Conclusion: Informal caregivers should be trained from the prevention of the event to the transition from hospital care to home rehabilitation, rescuing the role of the nurse within the multidisciplinary team, and with the support by the General Theory of Nursing.