With the increase of elders, increases the number of family members that take care of functional dependent elders. the duties of caregivers demand economic resources, time, personal and familiar organization that generate a burden that can negatively impact the caregiver. One resource that can withhold this impact is the social support network, where the family members can find help to satisfy their daily needs and crises. The objective of this study was to identify social support needs experienced by family caregivers of functional dependent elders. the content analysis revealed the following thematic categories: Emotional personal and interpersonal support needs, Economic support needs, Practical-instrumental support needs, Orientation support needs and Perception of resources to respond to the caregiver's activities demands. the results were discussed compared to other qualitative studies about the needs of caregivers of elders.
social support; caregivers; family; elders
