Abstract

PUIG, Montserrat et al. Quality of life and care burden among informal caregivers of elderly dependents in Catalonia. Revista Portuguesa de Enfermagem de Saúde Mental [online]. 2015, n.14, pp.9-14. ISSN 1647-2160.  https://doi.org/10.19131/rpesm.0100.

INTRODUCTION: The Quality of Life (QOL) of primary caregivers may have decreased. The aim of this study was to assess the objective and subjective elements related to QOL of the primary caregivers of the dependent elderly. The theoretical framework used was the role theory and socialization process of care and the theory of social disengagement. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative study. The sample consisted of n=22 informal caregivers of people over 75 years old treated by the Primary Home Care Service Center of Vilafranca del Penedes (Barcelona, Spain). Dimensions used were: socio-demographic data, quality of life and happiness, care burden, social and family relationships, motivation and feelings when caring and the health status of the caregiver. The technique chosen was a semi-structured interview. RESULTS: In our study, half of the caregivers had a regular perception of health and QOL, care burden, a self-care deficit and contradictory feelings towards caring. CONCLUSIONS: The Informal caregivers of dependent elderly of the home care program are mainly older women and with one or more chronic condition. They have a self-care deficit. They say they have little social and personal life.

Keywords : Burden; Informal caregivers; Elderly; Quality of life.

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