Educational technology: a facilitating instrument for the elderly care.

OBJECTIVE: To develop educational technology with caregivers of older people based on the needs, difficulties and concerns related to the elderly care expressed by the caregivers themselves.

METHOD: Research of qualitative nature, with participant observation, based on concepts used by Paulo Freire. Data collection and analysis used the "World Cafe" methodology and the thematic content analysis, respectively.

RESULT: The needs of these caregivers refer to their training and information on aging. The difficulties highlighted are deterrents to quality assistance to older adults, such as: insufficient resources, environmental factor and relationship with the family. The interests are evident in relation to the care and to its more subjective relationship. Final considerations: Educational technologies, printed matter and media, developed along with the caregivers, contribute to orientation and information of caregiver, population and professionals as facilitating instruments, regarding elderly care.