Resumo: O papel ocupacional de cuidador é visto como oneroso, uma vez que os cuidadores têm maior risco de adoecer e de ter perdas no seu desempenho ocupacional. Entretanto, estudos recentes apontam benefícios, inclusive crescimento pessoal e reconhecimento social. No presente trabalho buscou-se identificar indicadores sociais, estratégias de enfrentamento, percepção de benefícios e ônus e alterações nos papéis ocupacionais de cuidadores de idosos.Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal. A coleta ocorreu nas enfermarias de dois hospitais de Ribeirão Preto, SP. Foram incluídas 20 cuidadoras, 50% apresentaram baixa escolaridade, 60% eram católicas, 75% filhas, 95% moravam com o idoso, 80% eram cuidadoras há mais de um ano e 65% por mais de 12 horas ao dia. Occupational roles, benefits, burdens, and ways of coping with problems: A descriptive study on caregivers of dependent elderly in the context of family Abstract: The occupational role of caregiver is seen as demanding. Caregivers present higher risks of illness and loss in occupational performance. However, recent studies have shown some benefits to this role, including personal growth and social recognition. The present study aimed to identify social indicators, coping strategies, perceived benefits, and burdens and changes in the occupational roles of caregivers. This is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The sites were two hospitals in the municipality of Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo state. The 20 caregivers included in the study showed the following characteristics: mean age of 51, 50% with low educational level, 60% Catholic, 75% female, 95% living with the elderly, 80% caring for the elderly for over one year, and 65% caring for the elderly for more than 12 hours a day. The most commonly used coping strategies were focused on the problem. The positive psychological domain was the most frequent. Losses occurred in the performance of occupational roles and interest in new future roles. Benefits and burden of care were identified, as well as changes in occupational performance, indicating a demand for occupational therapy. Papéis ocupacionais, benefícios, ônus e modos de enfrentamento de problemas: Um estudo descritivo sobre cuidadoras de idosos dependentes no contexto da família