Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in the perspective of familial caregivers

摘要

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze family caregivers?￠???? perceptions on care delivered to children and adolescents presented with cerebral palsy. Methods: a quantitative, qualitative study developed with 50 family caregivers of children and adolescents diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Data collection was carried out by means of an interview with semi-open questions whose answers were analyzed based on the Content Analysis. Results: family members?￠???? accounts on care delivered to children and adolescents with cerebral palsy are mostly connected with positive feelings, such as love, happiness, privilege and overcoming. However, for a significant share of these family members, their own quality of life depends on the cared subject?￠????s health condition, blurring the distinction between their own needs and those of the cared subjects. Conclusions: health professionals need to recognize the importance of caregivers?￠???? health promotion as a major condition to keep caring. In this dimension, they may contribute by helping caregivers identify their own health needs.