Tornando-se um cuidador de um familiar com Alzheimer: o rito de passagem

Abstract

Introduction: Caring for a family affected by Alzheimer’s disease for several years produces changes in life that one who chose or was chosen to care: the family caregiver. Objective: To reflect upon the changes in the context of the family of the person affected by Alzheimer disease (AD) from the perspective of the rite of passage. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, conducted with family caregivers, members of a group of a Basic Health Unit in Natal-RN. Based oral history and thematic analysis, it was highlighted that the care of the elderly with Alzheimer is usually performed at home by one of its members, which is called caregiver. Results: The reasons to become a caregiver are varied. However, there is the need of the elderly with AD be permanently care for people available to do this task, the choice being determined by social and cultural values and the life history of each person. Conclusion: The study revealed that understanding and acceptance that the task of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s is not a simple or immediate, is the starting point so that they can bypass the circumstances of everyday life commonly present in everyday life of those who choose perform this action.