The aim of this study was to describe how the family caregiver builds social representations of home care in terminal cases, in relation to hospitalization. This qualitative study was performed with 11 family caregivers of terminally ill patients, enrolled in home care service of a university hospital in southern Brazil. Data collection was performed by means of narrative interviews, which were analyzed using content analysis from the perspective of social representations. Since home care is recent, caregivers relate it to hospitalization and thus are able to represent it well. It means easier access to technological resources, and also to the reference team of this service. In addition, home care represents more freedom and autonomy to the patient; however, for the caregiver, more deprivation and accountability. Hospitalization represents deprivation for the patient, and more freedom for the caregiver.
Home care services, hospital-base; Home nursing; Nursing; Hospitalization