How caretakers of paraplegics deal with the overload of activities on a daily basis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate how domiciliary caregivers of people with spinal cord injuries deal with the overload of caring on a daily basis. Method: This was a descriptive study with a qualitative approach with formal and informal caregivers of paraplegics who are users of two rehabilitation institutions located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview and analyzed through thematic analysis of content. Results:The reports evidenced two categories: "Understanding to take care better of another"; and "Evaluating the overload of care for others". Conclusion: The understanding of the conflicts in the person with spinal cord injury must be the premise for the home caregiver to exercise their activities without further damage and overload that could render them unable to meet their needs

Strenghts and Limits in the Daily Life of the Adherence to Rehabilitation of People With Spinal Cord Injury and Their Families

“…1 Success in the physical and psychological readjustment of the person with SCI depends on a gradual process of rehabilitation, which consists in the creation of conceptual and operational resources that favor the better functioning of the organism and the best functional capacity, improving the quality of life of patients and families, as it aims at autonomy and re-socialization. 2 SCI is among the disabling syndromes with the greatest impact on the lives of people and their families. It affects physical, psychological and social integrity, determining different levels of dependence in everyday activities, which is now experienced in a complex and challenging way.…”

“…Thus, considering that the families will continue the process of rehabilitation of people with SCI in their homes, it is essential that nurses and service networks integrate and promote family involvement in care, preparing them for daily life at home, considering that home care can generate stress due to overload of activities when there is no guideline to follow. 4 The factors that "negatively influence the caregivers' quality of life are the following: presence of chronic disease; longer care time, age and number of children; and lower schooling level". 5 A study 6 carried out in Portugal that investigated the experiences of people who had their lives marked by a spinal cord injury and were undergoing rehabilitation highlights the cultural and sociopolitical questioning of the person with this disability.…”