Profile of caregivers of elderly patients in Units of Health in the city of João Pessoa - PB

Abstract

Objective: To describe the profile of informal careers of elderly patients in health facilities in the city of João Pessoa. Method: Study of quantitative, observational and cross through interviews the careers from April to June 2011, using a script data for socio-demographic characteristics of caregivers, information related to health/disease of the elderly and whether they have help in caring for the elderly. We considered as caregivers of elderly people living in the city of João Pessoa-PB and treated at these institutions, making a total of 251 caregivers, which after analysis of the consistency of data collected sample of 219 caregivers. Results: There was a caregiver for the elderly is mostly female, aged between 41 and 50 years, lives with spouse or partner, has twelve or more years of study, is the son of the elderly, but not live with it. They consider themselves informed about health / disease of the elderly and how to care for them, despite not having done any training or specific course. Need help and / or help others to provide nutritional care through the use of medication and takes them to the query returns. Conclusion: However, the results of this study could provide information to health services, so that strategies are formulated and implemented continuing education in health.