Caring for those who care

outreach as a path to humanization and self-care

Abstract

Introduction: The study highlights how caring for children with special needs places physical and emotional strain on caregivers, especially mothers, a burden intensified by the lack of support networks and self-care practices. University extension programs, through activities carried out in waiting rooms, represent a powerful strategy to promote health education, emotional support, and the strengthening of bonds between caregivers and the academic community. Objective: To report the experience of health-area students in creating a welcoming and listening space in the waiting room, aimed at strengthening self-care and humanization practices through a university health-education extension project, valuing those who provide care. Experience Report: This experience report describes actions carried out by students from different health courses, including conversation circles, integrative practices, reflective dynamics, and sensory activities such as aromatherapy, seeking to create moments of dialogue, shared care, and critical reflection. Final Considerations: Extension activities in waiting rooms constitute a powerful strategy for promoting self-care, strengthening the bond between academia and the community, enriching student training with relational skills such as empathy and non-violent communication, and contributing to Comprehensive Health Care and the construction of more sensitive, holistic, and humanized care.