O Lado Paralelo do Cuidar Desvelado Pelas Representações dos Cuidadores de Adoecidos Após Acidente Vascular Cerebral The Parallel Side of Caring Unveiled by Caregivers of Patients Sickened after Stroke

Objective: This study aimed to identify the social representations of care from the perspective of caregivers of patients sickened after stroke. Material and Methods: This was a qualitative study with descriptive nature. Two techniques were used for data collection: free association of words and free observation, which were applied to twenty caregivers. Results: The analysis of reports was based on the association of ideas and discourse analysis, which led to the consolidation of three categories: The burden of care; “I do care, but I don’t know what to do”; and (re)meaning of care. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that although there is a burden for the caregivers to provide care, they do so interruptedly because they feel obliged to support the sickened person.