Abstract

GALVEZ GONZALEZ, María; RIOS GALLEGO, Francisca  and  GARCIA MARTINEZ, Ana María. Growing up taking care: the caregiver role in daughters with dependent mothers. Index Enferm [online]. 2013, vol.22, n.4, pp.237-241. ISSN 1699-5988.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1132-12962013000300010.

In Spain, the social model of cares and attention to dependent people has got a clear family component. Within this sphere, the main caregiver is a key figure since she assumes the responsibility and the complicated attendance of the dependent person. These caregivers must face up to a great deal of tasks and difficult decisions that put them in a situation of high vulnerability, stress and uncertainty that deserves a special attention in the medical care field. From this point of view, the aim of this study is, on the one hand, the deep understanding of the natural care and, on the other hand, to describe how these relatives that take care of highly dependent patients, but do not feel overloaded with their role, face up to the situation. In order to tackle the aim of the research conducted biographical method. In particular, a biographical account was carried out following, in their construction, the methodology proposed by Amezcua and Hueso. The data analysis shows the shared decision-making of the family, the preservation of the mother-daughter roles and the reciprocity as the integrating and basic elements of the natural care. The participant accomplishes her caregiver role in a singular and humanized way; her cares were aimed at her mother´s concrete needs, linking, this way, the story of her life to the social, cultural and family environment.

Keywords : Caregivers; Home nursing; Primary Health Care; Qualitative Research.