The perspective of caregivers of people with Parkinson's: an integrative review

Abstract

Abstract Objective: to analyze scientific production regarding the process of caring for persons with Parkinson's Disease (PD) from the perspective of the caregiver. Method: a descriptive integrative review type study was performed, guided by the question: How does the caregiver perceive the process of caring for a person with Parkinson's? A search was performed of the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, Nursing Database and Online Search System and Medical Literature Analysis databases, applying the cut-off points 2005 and 2015. Result: following Content Analysis three categories emerged: a) the process of caring for a person with PD; b) the positive and negative aspects associated with the process of caring for a person with PD; c) support for caregivers of people with PD: what can be done for them? Conclusion: The challenge of caring for a person with PD needs to be recognized by caregivers, professionals and health managers as a tool for the (re)construction of care.