Niesamodzielny senior jako źródło kryzysu w rodzinie
Dependent elderly person as a source of family crisis

Summary/Abstract: Aim. The aim of the presented study is to analyze the areas of systemic functioning of a family caring for a dependent senior, with a particular focus on potential risks relevant to the emergence of a family crisis. Methods. In this work, the authors reviewed and analyzed the source literature, as well as existing data on systemic solutions and resources for supporting a family caring for a dependent senior. Results and conclusion. The conducted analysis identified main areas of adaptive difficulties for the family caring for a dependent senior. It also emphasized the individualized family determinants that are relevant to the emergence of crises in the family, and the ability to cope with them. These included family caring resources, readiness to redefine family roles and reorganize family life. Due to the ongoing process of the ageing population, more and more families will face the challenge of supporting a dependent elderly family member. The support from the state is not always available or sufficient to meet the needs of a dependent person and their family caregivers, which can lead to an increased risk of tension and conflicts within the family. Particularly, when the period of care is calculated in months and years. The authors drew attention to the need to continue developing the areas of education for old age and education about old age, while at the same time implementing solutions to provide systemic support not only for dependent seniors and their caregivers, but also for entire family systems, including their youngest members.

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