Understanding of caregivers of bedridden older adults about the primary assistance received to their own health care

Abstract

Objective To identify caregivers' understanding of healthcare assistance received from primary health care regarding their own health. Method A qualitative study based on Alfred Schütz's phenomenology was conducted. The approach to caregivers of bedridden older adults was carried out by community health agents within their coverage area in a primary health care unit located in the northern region of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The choice of location was convenience-based. Data collection took place between September and December 2022 in households. A questionnaire containing questions about the participants' sociodemographic profile, along with six phenomenological questions to understand the typical experiences of each caregiver of older adults and their intentionality, was administered. Data were analyzed using phenomenological methods. Results Sixteen caregivers of bedridden older adults participated, with fifteen being female, fifteen having a family relationship with the care recipient, and fifteen lacking training qualifying them for the caregiver role. 37.5% of caregivers were aged 61 years or older. Regarding the typical experiences, the following categories emerged from the participants' narratives: 1- Physical, emotional, and social impacts on the caregiver's health; 2- Need for qualification; 3- Support from the healthcare team, with a subcategory: 3.1- Absence of medical and/or nursing professionals. Conclusion It was understood that caregivers are invisible and do not receive healthcare assistance from the healthcare team for their own health. When home visits occur, professionals focus on attending to the older adult, fragmenting the assistance that should be extended to the needs of the family community, including the caregiver.