Abstract

ALVAREZ-CARCHIPULLA, Ginger Julissa; MAZA-ROMAN, Néstor Eduardo  and  REQUELME-JARAMILLO, Milton Junior. Meaning of caring for the older adult: perception of the informal caregiver. Revista InveCom [online]. 2024, vol.4, n.2, e040226.  Epub June 19, 2024. ISSN 2739-0063.  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10574106.

The natural aging process involves a series of physiological changes in the human body that, in many cases, increase vulnerability to various pathologies. As people age, they face a greater likelihood of developing chronic and degenerative medical conditions that can affect quality of life and functionality. The study aimed to analyze the experience of caring for the elderly from the perception of the informal caregiver, with a descriptive-interpretative qualitative study, phenomenological design and a sample of 15 participants. The methodological instrument used was a semi-structured guide of 16 open-ended questions; the information was coded as: Informal caregiver "IC" and formal caregiver "FC". Informal caregivers were mainly women, especially daughters and wives, with economic limitations, saturation of responsibilities and limited working hours. The results of this research underline the importance of recognizing and valuing the crucial role of informal caregivers in society. Therefore, the implementation of support measures could contribute not only to the well-being of caregivers, but also to the improvement of the quality of life of those receiving care, thus fostering a more compassionate and caring society.

Keywords : caregivers; older adult; perception.

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