The family of an elderly caregiver and schizophrenia: experiences with the application of family approach tools in primary health care

Abstract

Introduction: The Family Health Strategy brings in its own name the focus of its activities, in which its professionals can make use of Family Approach Tools as instruments that help in their work. Objective: To report the experience and conduct by a Family Health Strategy team with the application of the FAF, with family members of an elderly caregiver and a person with a mental disorder, residing in the north of the state of Minas Gerais-Brazil. Methods: Descriptive case study with a family study approach, of the experience report type. Home visits, consultations, interviews and application of strategies and instruments were carried out Genogram, Ecomap, FIRO, PRATICE, Family life cycle and family conference, as a method of diagnosis and intervention to assess the family dynamics of the index patient. Experience report: Dona Terra, 58 years old, housewife and hypertensive, has as her main challenge the division of her tasks in the care of the elderly mother and the child with a mental disorder. Faced with the difficulties and issues highlighted, after characterizing the family and surveying its needs, interventions were proposed by holding a family conference, also maintaining periodic monitoring by health professionals. Conclusion: Experience shows that Family Approach Tools are essential for the work of a Family Health Strategy team, as they allow a situational diagnosis of the family, effectively directing care, as can be seen in this study, where the proposed interventions were well adhered.