Percepción de los adultos mayores respecto al apoyo familiar en el contexto de la pandemia covid-19 de la parroquia Baños, periodo 2022-2023

Abstract

The following research describes the perception of the elderly regarding family support in the context of the covid-19 pandemic at the parish of Baños in Cuenca. Family support as a primary source was essential for the elderly in the context of the covid 19 pandemic to meet their needs and be able to overcome dangerous situations. The specific objectives were to identify the forms of family support that the elderly receive and to analyze how family support influences the quality of life of the elderly in the context of the covid-19 pandemic. The study was characterized by having a qualitative approach, exploratory-descriptive in scope, the applied technique for collecting information was the use of semi-structured interviews with eight elderly who are part of the Elderly Care Unit of the Autonomous Decentralized Government at the Parish of Baños. Among the important outcomes, it was found that the elderly mainly had material (monetary) support that allowed them to meet their needs for food, medicine, and basic services, among others. Emotional support expressed in actions of love and affection was not frequent due to the fact that the majority of the elderly live alone and communication through technological means was necessary, on the other hand, cognitive support was relevant, their children transmitted information and advice to help them understand different situations. Religion allowed the elderly to face loneliness and dangerous situations in the context of the covid-19 pandemic. Finally, social isolation provoked feelings of loneliness and abandonment, which significantly affected the quality of life, however, family support was a positive help to meet their needs.