Structural, Development and Functional Evaluation of Families of Older People Under Palliative Care

Objective: to evaluate the structure, development and functionality of elderly families in end-stage palliative care. Method: this is a qualitative study, developed with five families, whose data were collected through the interview technique, using two instruments: the genogram and eco-map. The empirical material was analyzed in the light of the Calgary Family Assessment Model. Results: the data obtained from the family assessment, verified in the structural category, has shown that most families, as to the organization, is from the extensive type and that the female figure is the provider of home. Concerning the development of families, it was observed that every women have caregivers function. In the functional aspect, regardless of household income, elderly patients maintained their satisfactory hygiene conditions. Conclusion: it is expected that the results of this research can support the planning of nursing care through the complete evaluation of the family, in order to contribute to the development of skills in nursing, to meet the needs of families of elderly patients with disease in the final stage of life.