INTRODUCTION. Despite the progressive reduction of the members in family aggregations,
families continue being the main support source to homebound people,
whether in their direct caregiving, or in the psychological support and social contacts.
Thus, it is questioned: What feelings lead to the acceptance of the family caregivers’
role?
PURPOSE. To identify the feelings evolved from the acceptance of the caregiver’s role.
RESEARCH METHODS. Descriptive, exploratory qualitative research carried out with family
caregivers of dependent elderly. Data collection was developed by means of
questionnaire application and logbooks. The guiding question was “Why do you
have to care?” After the results, it was held the content analysis.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Two hundred and twenty-six (226) answers were analyzed.
The following categories were elaborated: feeling of recognition, feeling of responsibility,
feeling of a#ection, feeling of obligation, feeling of interest, feeling of availability,
feeling of acceptance from the social context.
CONCLUSION. Apprehending the feelings involved in the acceptance of the family
caregiver’s role enables health professionals to elaborate actions and strategies to
strengthen such acting.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
