COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR THE PATIENT IN THE ADVANCED STAGE OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Abstract

This is a study with a qualitative approach developed through the case study method. The study aimed to understand the care requirements required of the family caregiver for the elderly with Alzheimer's in an advanced stage of the disease. Thus, three cases were followed, and six caregivers of elderly people with advanced stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) were interviewed, three family caregivers and three occupational caregivers. Data collection was carried out through direct observation with the help of a field diary and a semi-structured interview. For data analysis, the thematic analysis technique proposed by Minayo (2014) was used. The results showed that comprehensive care for the elderly with advanced AD is a requirement for caregivers, despite being costly. Thus, in order to counteract such burdens, the family/occupational caregiver is required to have knowledge, care experience, creativity, care support network and, above all, technical-professional training. Therefore, the study concluded that the act of providing comprehensive care to the dependent patient with AD in the advanced stage, generates difficulties that end up influencing the quality of life of the patient and the caregiver himself, as it is a physically and emotionally exhausting task.