The family dynamics of elder elderly in the context of Porto, Portugal

Abstract

Descriptive study aiming to understand the family dynamics of elderly people aged 80 years or older, receiving family care at home. Caregivers and elderly, registered at the family health unit of Greater Porto, comprised a sample of 107 pairs. Data were collected between 09/2009 and 03/2010. The following instruments were applied: family APGAR, quality of life and lifestyle scale. The results that stand out are: increase in male partners serving as caregivers for dependent partners; substantial inclusion in the list of family caregivers: grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings. The caregiver lifestyle was considered regular, as well as the caregiver and elderly’s quality of life, although the family dynamics showed to work well. Limitations prevent further generalizations, but offer relevant support for the development of the family health and family nursing program.