Family caregiving in chronic illness

Abstract

This study aimed at understanding family caregiving for a young person with chronic illness since childhood. He had a kidney disease and cancer. The researchers used a comprehensive approach as situational analysis from his life history. During fieldwork, researchers carried out in-depth interviews and direct observation aiming at apprehending elements they had heard, seen and experienced. These elements were then registered in a field diary. After vertical and horizontal reading, the corpus of analysis was identified and different aspects that permeated the narrative were highlighted. A genogram of the individual and his family was built. The individual's chronic condition changed family life: they were compelled to look after him in a synergy of actions and constant motion that provided some support. New routines were created and other ways of overcoming the new obstacles were developed.