The objective of the study was to identify the perception of the chronic patient on the functionality of his own family and know the way he perceives this context. It is a descriptive study of qualitative nature, accomplished with 12 chronically ill individuals. Data was collected from April to November 2010, through semi-structured interview, based on the instrument APGAR of family evaluation. The results showed four functional families, five moderately dysfunctional and three severely dysfunctional. It was observed, throughout the patient's statements, feelings of autonomy loss, decrease on the participation of family decisions, changes of roles, loss of freedom of choice to accomplish new tasks, isolation desire and the fact of considering themselves a burden for the family. It is concluded that the chronic diseases, which require family care, are followed by the need of family readjustment and reorganization. These factors can trigger conflicts and dissatisfaction by the patient and hinder the family relationships.
Chronic disease; Family relations; Family; Nursing