Everyday family caregiver of older adults with dependence: reconfiguring space

Abstract

Introduction: A family caregiver of a dependent elder providing care for 24 hours a day faces complex situations that can damage his/her health. Objective: To describe, analyze and interpret the day-today of a family caregiver of a dependent elder. Methodology: A qualitative research approach was conducted with eight family caregivers of older adults with dependence. The information was obtained through in-depth interviews with a questionnaire of semi-structured questions. Thematic analysis was performed according to Minayo, from which the categories and sub-categories of thematic units were built. Results: Two categories emerged: “time and space synthesis of lived experience”, and “symbolizing care”. The present article describes the subcategory “reconfi guring space” of the category “time and space synthesis of lived experience”. Conclusions: The speeches refl ected that the family caregiver faces various situations in his/her day-to day, such as sharing space with the elder, as well as introducing different objects such as medical equipment and assistive devices to provide safe care.