Self-care of elderly cancer patients undergoing outpatient treatment

This is a qualitative descriptive study with the aim to analyze the self-care of elderly cancer patients undergoing outpatient treatment, from the perspective of their autonomy. Fifteen elderly individuals undergoing treatment in a blood-oncology outpatient center of a university hospital participated in the research. Data were collected with semi-structured interviews conducted in 2010. Independence and ability for self-care by the elderly patients were evaluated using the Katz and Lawton scales. The data collected were submitted to thematic analysis. Four categories were identified: manifestations of self-care of elderly cancer patients; care in the family and its dynamics; adaptation to the limitations of the disease; and living with finiteness. In conclusion, the autonomy for self-care of the elderly patients is manifested in the concern with diet, knowing their bodies' limits, the changes imposed by living with cancer and family support.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rocha,Lucimara Sonaglio, Beuter,Margrid, Neves,Eliane Tatsch, Leite,Marinês Tambara, Brondani,Cecília Maria, Perlini,Nara Marilene Oliveira Girardon
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Programa de Pós Graduação em Enfermagem 2014
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-07072014000100029
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