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Publication
Institucionalização e relações familiares: perceções de pessoas mais velhas e de cuidadores formais
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
A população idosa representa uma grande parte da demografia do século XXI,
discutindo-se cada vez mais questões inerentes à sua saúde e proteção ao longo da vida,
a nível individual, comunitário e institucional. A institucionalização acarreta profundas
mudanças, tanto para o idoso, como para a sua ecologia familiar. A criação de espaços
institucionais onde a pessoa mais velha se posso sentir integrada, ativa e cuidada, é crucial
para o seu bem-estar individual e manutenção de relações familiares num processo de
adaptação resiliente. O estudo pretende analisar a perceção de pessoas mais velhas face
ao processo de institucionalização e sua influência nas relações familiares, bem como a
perspetiva de cuidadores formais. É de carácter exploratório descritivo e qualitativo.
Participaram 8 pessoas com 65 ou mais anos institucionalizadas numa Estrutura
Residencial para Pessoas Idosas da cidade de Coimbra e 4 cuidadoras formais,
selecionados por conveniência. Utilizou-se uma entrevista semiestruturada aplicada às
pessoas mais velhas e uma entrevista focalizada de grupo às cuidadoras. Recorreu-se à
análise temática de Braun e Clarke. Os resultados apontam que as causas de
institucionalização são, principalmente, o risco de quedas no domicílio e solidão. Os
vínculos familiares se alteram ao longo do processo, sendo por vezes menos frequentes e
mais por via telefónica. A adaptação resiliente apoia-se em mecanismos protetores como
a espiritualidade e vínculos com cuidadores formais e a reconfiguração pessoal emerge
entre a aceitação (por vezes resignação) e descontinuidade biográfica. As cuidadoras
percebem-se como importantes na adaptação dos utentes à institucionalização, mas
identificam constrangimentos no cuidar, como a sobrecarga física e emocional e a
desvalorização profissional. As conclusões destacam a importância de ampliar o
conhecimento das vivências das pessoas mais velhas institucionalizadas sobre a sua
ecologia relacional e familiar e os processos de resiliência que a partir daí (re)constroem
The older population represents a significant portion of 21st-century demographics, raising growing concerns about their health and protection at individual, community, and institutional levels. Institutionalization brings profound changes for both the elderly and their family ecology. Creating institutional spaces where older people feel integrated, active, and cared for is crucial for their well-being and for maintaining family ties in a resilient adaptation process. This study aims to analyze older adults’ perceptions of institutionalization and its impact on family relationships, as well as the perspective of formal caregivers. It is an exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative study. Participants included 8 institutionalized individuals aged 65 or older in a Residential Structure for the Elderly in Coimbra, and 4 formal caregivers, selected by convenience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with older adults and a focused group interview with caregivers. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used. Results show that institutionalization is mainly driven by fall risk at home and loneliness. Family bonds often become less frequent and mostly phone based. Resilient adaptation relies on protective mechanisms such as spirituality, bonds with caregivers, and personal reconfiguration between acceptance (sometimes resignation) and biographical discontinuity. Caregivers see themselves as key to residents’ adaptation but face challenges such as physical and emotional overload and professional undervaluation. The study highlights the need to deepen understanding of the relational and family ecology of institutionalized elders and the resilience they (re)construct.
The older population represents a significant portion of 21st-century demographics, raising growing concerns about their health and protection at individual, community, and institutional levels. Institutionalization brings profound changes for both the elderly and their family ecology. Creating institutional spaces where older people feel integrated, active, and cared for is crucial for their well-being and for maintaining family ties in a resilient adaptation process. This study aims to analyze older adults’ perceptions of institutionalization and its impact on family relationships, as well as the perspective of formal caregivers. It is an exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative study. Participants included 8 institutionalized individuals aged 65 or older in a Residential Structure for the Elderly in Coimbra, and 4 formal caregivers, selected by convenience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with older adults and a focused group interview with caregivers. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used. Results show that institutionalization is mainly driven by fall risk at home and loneliness. Family bonds often become less frequent and mostly phone based. Resilient adaptation relies on protective mechanisms such as spirituality, bonds with caregivers, and personal reconfiguration between acceptance (sometimes resignation) and biographical discontinuity. Caregivers see themselves as key to residents’ adaptation but face challenges such as physical and emotional overload and professional undervaluation. The study highlights the need to deepen understanding of the relational and family ecology of institutionalized elders and the resilience they (re)construct.
Description
Keywords
Pessoas mais velhas institucionalização relações familiares resiliência cuidadores formais Older People Institutionalization Family Relations Resilience Caregivers