Profile of family caregivers of elderly at home

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the sociodemographic profile of family caregivers of elderly at home and the level of overload resulted by care activity. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted with 29 family caregivers of elderly individuals enrolled in a Family Health Strategy. There were collected data on functional independence, demographic data and level of caregiver overload. A study approved by the Research Ethics Committee, under Opinion No. 128,580/2012. Results: It was found that 79% of the elderly had functional dependence. The profile of caregivers showed that the majority are women, married, with advanced age, level of education and low income. It was also found that the time devoted to the care is long, justifying the overload observed, mainly in caregivers of dependent elderly. Conclusion: The results point out the need for more social support and health care to family caregivers, which could contribute to reducing the overload related to caring.