Objective:

To know the quality of life of a family of two older adults suffering from Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

Material and method:

A case study with qualitative design was carried out, an in-depth interview was applied using as reference the axes, categories and subcategories of the Calgary Family Valuation Model and a field diary. The data was analyzed through the technique of content analysis, the strategy of "investigator triangulation" was applied.

Results:

The main categories that emerged were: the importance of the role of parents in the upbringing of their children, education as a basis for self-improvement, age limitations and sequelae of a life with diabetes, love, habits and dependency and support network, a fundamental support pillar for the development of the elderly.

Conclusions:

The interventions of the registered nurse are oriented to favor self-care and teach to live with the new characteristics given by the consequences of their age and the complications of the pathologies that afflict them. If necessary, the social network should be strengthened, seeking family and extra-family resources to participate in the resolution of the crises that arise. Relationships with friends, neighbors and colleagues are also considered important to offer other types of help. These are established through common interests and shared activities and are essential outside the home context.

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