Abstract

ARAUJO DOS REIS, Luana et al. Family Relationships of Elderly Adults with Compromised Functional Capacity. Aquichan [online]. 2015, vol.15, n.3, pp.393-402. ISSN 1657-5997.  https://doi.org/10.5294/aqui.2015.15.3.7.

Objective: This research was intended to understand the family relationships of adults with compromised functional capacity. Materials and Methods: It is an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach, based on the oral history method. The sample included 15 elderly adults who were being assisted by a family health unit, were living with family members, and had compromised functional capacity. The data were collected between March and April 2012, through in-depth interviews. The subject categories were: good family relationships, changes in family relationships, feeling of being a nuisance to the family, and feeling abandoned or neglected by the family. Result: The study found that elderly adults with compromised functional capacity experience a variety of feelings that range from joy, because they are respected and their needs are met, to sadness and shock over their family's negative adjustment to the situation and by being abandoned or neglected by their children. Conclusion: The dynamics of the family relationships of elderly adults change significantly when the person's functional capacity is compromised. With this in mind, health professionals, especially nurses, must recognize the challenges the family faces and be prepared to guide and train family members to satisfy the demands of caring for an elderly relative with compromised functional capacity and to favor rendering the care that is needed without jeopardizing family relationships.

Keywords : Elderly adults; family relationships; functional disability; nursing.

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