Representations of caring in the perspective of workers of a Long Stay Institution (ILPI) of a city in the interior of Minas Gerais

Abstract

This qualitative study had, for its main purpose, understand the representations that elderly caregivers of a Long Stay Institution have about their own activity.  For that, eight caregivers were interviewed who worket in a institution of this nature in the interior of Minas Gerais.  Trough the analysis, it was possible to observe a myriad of representations, which go through satisfaction and personal elevation, care with economic sustenance, as well as the contribution to the social well-being of the elderly.  In spite of this, the activity is transformed from a rudeness associated not only with physical exercise, but also with the emotional work demanded intrinsically by the task.  With this, the caregivers use a series of labor strategies to deal with the activity.