THE INFLUENCE OF THE FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK ON THE REHABILITATION PROCESS OF THE ELDERLY WITH STROKE

Abstract

Stroke is a public health problem that directly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. In the elderly population, in addition to the physiological process of aging, the diagnosis of this pathology brings biopsychosocial repercussions that directly impact the rehabilitation process. Therefore, the effective collaboration of the family is crucial for the success of the rehabilitation process. This study aims to demonstrate how the family support network influences the rehabilitative process of the elderly after the diagnosis of a stroke. The study is an experience report of the clinical care provided during the curricular internship to a patient diagnosed with a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), at the teaching clinic of Centro Universitário Vale do Ipojuca, in the city of Caruaru – PE. From the consultations, it was possible to identify considerable advances in the patient's functional status. In addition to physical rehabilitation, the approach to the family and the patient provided a reduction in family psychological complaints, resulting in greater assistance within the family during the therapeutic rehabilitation process. It is possible to conclude that the family nucleus plays a crucial role in the success of the patient's physiotherapeutic treatment, from ensuring participation in the therapeutic process, to the success of an adequate prognosis. Therefore, the integration of the family nucleus in the rehabilitative process is essential.