THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE STUDENTS FROM THE SENIOR CAREGIVING COURSE IN THE SOUTHERN FLUMINENSE REGION: FROM SEARCH FOR KNOWLEDGE TO LABOR-MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

The world population aging requires curricula focused on professional qualification for those who work with senior housing, nursing home, assisted living and in-home healthcare. This is a descriptive study, with both qualitative and quantitative approach, that identified the expectations of 40 students from the Senior Caregiving Course, when the theoretical program was presented before practical training in senior houses located in Três Rios, southern fluminense region. The data analysis was determined by the answer of three open questions applied to students on the second term of 2009. The conclusion was that 82,5% from those who searched this course aimed to enlarge their knowledge. Other 25% was looking for better job opportunities; 42,5% were nurses or auxiliaries who intended to apply the knowledge provided by the course directly on their work; while 37,5% intended to apply this same knowledge at home. At last, 45% declared that wanted to get caregiving training on elderly people, as 22,5% wanted to acquire knowledge for life. Descriptors: Caregivers. Health of the Elderly. Nursing care. Asylum.