Services on Demand
Journal
Article
Indicators
- Cited by SciELO
- Access statistics
Related links
- Cited by Google
- Similars in SciELO
- Similars in Google
Share
Revista Cuidarte
Print version ISSN 2216-0973On-line version ISSN 2346-3414
Abstract
SANTOS, Wallison Pereira dos et al. Overburden on elderly caregivers who care for dependent elderly. Rev Cuid [online]. 2019, vol.10, n.2, e607. Epub Jan 09, 2020. ISSN 2216-0973. https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.v10i2.607.
Introduction
Currently, the number of older adults has been rapidly increasing due to the current demographic transition, which has made more visible the need for providing care. Becoming a caregiver is a complex process that includes changes in the daily life and health of caregivers, especially when they are also elderly caregivers. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the impact generated in the daily life of caregivers caring for dependent elderly.
Materials and Methods
An observational, descriptive study using a qualitative approach was conducted on elderly caregivers caring for elderly people. 39 elderly caregivers were interviewed. For data collection, the interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire with digital audio recording. For data analysis, Minayo’s thematic content analysis was used.
Results
The following three thematic categories were proposed: changing daily routine, being an untrained elderly caregiver and having an emotional and physical imbalance.
Discussion
It was possible to observe that caregivers of elderly people, in order to become caregivers, go through an intense change of their routine with respect to the time staying at home, social isolation, which makes this population be vulnerable to psychological and physical dependence and have a greater tendency to the physiological condition of aging. In addition, it was possible to confirm the poor performance of the Primary Health Care service in relation to educational guidance and actions.
Conclusions
It was evident the great overburden on caregivers who care for older adults, especially when they are also elderly caregivers with similar characteristics and needs to those of elderly dependents. Further investments are required for educational actions on the primary care service
Keywords : Health of the Elderly; Caregivers; Brazil.