Felt needs of the family caregiver of the elderly with post-stroke sequelae

Abstract

Objective: to describe the felt needs of family caregivers of older adults who present post-stroke sequelae. Method: qualitative, phenomenological study, through individual semi-structured interviews, audio recorded, with field diary notes, transcribed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis in light of the theoretical and referential framework Edmund Husserl. The study follows the submission guidelines of the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Results: Six daughters of older adults with stroke sequelae participated, most of them were married, with secondary education, housewives and with low income. Three subthemes emerged from their caregiving experiences; awareness of reality, felt needs and coping strategies for care. In them, they express their feelings and interpretations in detail, sharing from their experiences the challenges and care involved in the deterioration of a family member's health. Conclusion: The felt needs identified from the experience of family caregivers include the need for caregiving support. Within this category, preparation to provide care at home and access to personal psychological help stand out.