Formal caregivers of older adults: reflection about their practice.
OBJECTIVE
To understand the job function of caregivers of older adults and contribute to the debate on the consolidation of this professional practice.


METHODS
This is a descriptive, qualitative, and exploratory study. Four focal group sessions were performed in 2011 with 11 elderly companions, formal caregivers of older adults in the Programa Acompanhante de Idosos (Program for Caregivers of Older Adults), Sao Paulo, SP, Southeastern Brazil. These sessions, guided by a semi-structured script, were audio-recorded and fully transcribed. Data were analyzed using the Content Analysis technique, Thematic Modality.


RESULTS
In view of considering the caregivers of older adults as a new category of workers, it was difficult to define their duties. The elderly companions themselves as well as the care receivers, their families, and the professionals that comprised the team were unclear about their duties. The professional practice of these formal caregivers has been built on the basis of constant discussions and negotiations among them and other team members in Programa Acompanhante de Idosos during daily work. This was achieved via a recognition process of their job functions and by setting apart other workers' exclusive responsibilities.


CONCLUSIONS
The delimitation of specific job functions for elderly companions is currently one of the greatest challenges faced by these workers to develop and consolidate their professional role as well as improve Programa Acompanhante de Idosos.
Marina Picazzio Perez
MP
Batista
Juliana de Oliveira
Jde O
Barros
Maria Helena Morgani de
MH
Almeida
Elisabete Ferreira
EF
Mângia
Selma
S
Lancman
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001938:Brazil; D017028:Caregivers; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research