Table 4 Categories and units of meaning extracted from the researchers’ records for the ‘data collection oriented by the clinical-functional profile of the older people’ theme

Approaching the residents

Approaching the residents with respect and cordiality, always taking into consideration their physical and cognitive limitations. (R5)

Having patience, being calm and receptive, knowing how to listen, because they like to talk and interact. It is important to allow them to express themselves, but you also need to get back to the study. On the other hand, others do not want to communicate and this must be respected. After all, irritating them has a negative impact on the environment. (R1)”

It is necessary to be patient during all interactions, regardless of the level of cooperation, since it is the individuality of each person, depending on their physical, cognitive, social and cultural limitations. (R2)

Flexibility is important, because each one has his or her own needs and limitations. (R3)

Empathy, care and knowing how to listen, to care, have patience and be practical. (R1)”

Quickly tiring (the collection time needs to be short): In addition, some residents begin to question the methods of our study; they begin to collaborate and become tired in the process. (R4)

Respect for the autonomy of the residents

Older people have the right to decide whether or not they want to participate in the study and their decisions must be respected. (R5)

Even those without preserved cognition, it is necessary that they want to participate and are cooperative with the process of the study. (R1)

Communication with the residents

Communication with some residents is complicated – whether due to speech difficulties or a lack of interest. (R4)

Understanding that they (older people) have their needs, their conceptions of the world, being from different generations, their expectations with regards to visitors and what they represent. (R1)

Playing the role of listener for the residents, who, in most cases, want to have parallel conversations. (R3)

The biggest difficulty was having patience, knowing how to talk, give information/instructions such that the resident is able to perform what was requested. (R5)

In general, communication is a little complex because some have difficulties expressing themselves or understanding what we are saying. Sometimes we also have difficulty understanding what they say, because there is not much sense, or be able to communicate, talk with them. Some get angry. (R3)

I often feel unprepared to deal with the residents. A researcher needs to be prepared to understand the different behaviors and reactions, generally of dementia, and to deal with surprises and mood swings. (R2)

Sometimes we’re are talking, the resident nods his head as if he understands, but he doesn’t. It is necessary to speak close to their ears and repeat the words so that they understand. (R1)

Difficulty seeing was something that we perceived in a large part of the residents when we asked them to write something or execute some command; many said that they had cataracts, glaucoma and didn’t see well. (R2)

Caregiver’s knowledge

They can be a great source of support during the data collection process and can provide valuable information on the behavior of the residents and their daily needs. (R2)”

I counted on the active help of the caregivers, which made data collection faster and pleasurable. (R1)

Caregivers can clarify the real needs of the residents. For instance, some questionnaires have items addressing whether the person serves his own food or not. At some institutions, this process is a protocol and meals are served to the residents. However, some have complete autonomy to perform this action alone. So, these points need to be clarified to ensure an accurate assessment of the level of dependence of each one. (R3)”

We came across new situations. We were alerted by the caregivers about more than one resident with aggressive behavior – from verbal to physical aggression – due to some cognitive impairment, who, in order to be treated, may require arm restraints. (R2)”