ABSTRACT
Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as características e os desafios vivenciados pelos cuidadores formais de idosos dependentes no domicílio. Estudo qualitativo multicêntrico, realizado em 6 cidades brasileiras, com cuidadores formais de idosos dependentes. As entrevistas foram realizadas mediante utilização de um roteiro semiestruturado, no domicílio, nos meses de maio a agosto de 2019, com duração média de 60 minutos. Participaram 27 cuidadores formais com idade média de 46 anos, predominantemente do sexo feminino, com tempo médio de cuidado ao idoso de 2 anos e 6 meses, sem formação profissional de cuidador. A análise e a interpretação das falas conduziram à formulação de três categorias temáticas: Condições de trabalho e de saúde do cuidador formal; Perfil e modos de cuidar; e Desafios para cuidar. É necessário conhecer as características e as demandas dos cuidadores formais de idosos dependentes domiciliados para que políticas públicas e intervenções eficazes possam ser desenvolvidas, levando-se em consideração as necessidades apresentadas por esses profissionais.
Abstract Objective: To analyze the characteristics and challenges experienced by formal caregivers of dependent elderly at home. Methods: Multicenter qualitative study, conducted in six Brazilian cities, with formal caregivers of dependent elderly people. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide, at their homes, from May to August 2019, lasting an average of 60 minutes. Results: Participants were 27 formal caregivers with a mean age of 46 years, predominantly female, with mean care time for the elderly of two years and six months, without professional training of caregivers. The analysis and interpretation of the statements led to the formulation of three thematic categories: Working and health conditions of the formal caregiver; Profile and ways of caring; and Care challenges. Final thoughts: There is need to know the characteristics and demands of formal caregivers of dependent elderly people domiciled for the development of public policies and effective interventions, taking into account the needs presented by these professionals.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Aged , Caregivers , Homes for the Aged , Brazil , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Abstract: Objective: This study aims to identify the resilience level in formal and informal in-home caregivers of older adults in Ibagué during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 49 formal and informal in-home caregivers of older adults. We administered the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRSC), an instrument consisting of four items, to these caregivers. The questionnaire was self-completed and, in some cases, answered by telephone. The data were collected in April 2020. Results: 35 women and 14 men participated in this study. The formal (69.4 %) and informal caregivers, mostly family (30.6 %), were between 18 and 30 years old (65.30 %). Their resilience levels were high (16.3 %), moderate (61.3 %), and low (22.4 %). There was a significant association between caregiver type and resilience level (p < 0.05). Other studied covariates did not show a significant association. Conclusions: Due to stressful situations caused by care during social isolation and the risk of death of the elderly by COVID-19, strategies to improve resilience related to emotional, cognitive, and sociocultural interventions in the caregiver should be considered.
Resumen: Objetivo: este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar el nivel de resiliencia en cuidadores formales e informales de adultos mayores en el hogar en Ibagué durante la pandemia del COVID-19. Métodos: estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal con una muestra de conveniencia de 49 cuidadores formales e informales de adultos mayores en el hogar. Aplicamos la Escala Breve de Afrontamiento Resiliente (BRSC), un instrumento que consta de cuatro puntos, para estos cuidadores. Ellos mismos completaron el cuestionario y, en algunos casos, lo respondieron por teléfono. Los datos se recopilaron en abril de 2020. Resultados: 35 mujeres y catorce hombres participaron en este estudio. Los cuidadores formales (69,4 %) y los cuidadores informales, en su mayoría familiares (30,6 %), tenían entre 18 y 30 años (65,30 %). Sus niveles de resiliencia fueron altos (16,3 %), moderados (61,3 %) y bajos (22,4 %). Hubo una asociación significativa entre el tipo de cuidador y el nivel de resiliencia (p< 0,05). Otras covariables estudiadas no mostraron una asociación significativa. Conclusiones: debido a las situaciones de estrés causadas por la atención durante el aislamiento social y el riesgo de muerte de los adultos mayores por COVID-19, se deben considerar estrategias para mejorar la resiliencia mediante intervenciones emocionales, cognitivas y socioculturales en el cuidador.
Resumo: Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo é identificar o nível de resiliência de cuidadores domiciliares formais e informais de idosos maiores no lar em Ibagué, Colômbia, durante a pandemia ocasionada pela COVID-19. Métodos: estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal, com uma amostra de conveniência de 49 cuidadores domiciliares formais e informais de idosos. Aplicamos a Escala Breve de Enfrentamento Resiliente, um instrumento que consta de quatro artigos, para esses cuidadores. O questionário foi respondido por eles mesmos e, em alguns casos, por telefone. Os dados foram coletados em abril de 2020. Resultados: 35 mulheres e 14 homens participaram deste estudo. Cuidadores formais (69,4 %) e cuidadores informais, em sua maioria familiares (30,6 %), tinham entre 18 e 30 anos (65,30 %). Seus níveis de resiliência foram altos (16,3 %), moderados (61,3 %) e baixos (22,4 %). Houve uma associação significativa entre o tipo de cuidador e o nível de resiliência (p < 0,05). Outras covariáveis estudadas não apresentaram uma associação significativa. Conclusões: devido às situações de estresse causadas pelo atendimento durante o isolamento social e ao risco de morte de idosos por causa da COVID-19, devem ser consideradas estratégias para melhorar a resiliência com relação às intervenções emocionais, cognitivas e socioculturais no cuidador.
Subject(s)
Humans , Bioethics , Resilience, Psychological , Caregiver Burden , COVID-19ABSTRACT
Resumen El alzhéimer es el tipo de demencia más frecuente. Debido al deterioro progresivo que produce, los pacientes requieren cuidado permanente. Las personas que asumen el rol de cuidadores de estos pacientes pueden sufrir efectos adversos en el ámbito psicológico, físico y social. Se realizó un estudio no experimental, transversal correlacional, con el objetivo de establecer la relación entre los niveles de depresión y sobrecarga en una muestra de 84 cuidadores formales y 92 informales de pacientes con esta enfermedad de Bucaramanga (Colombia), utilizando el inventario de depresión estado-rasgo (IDER) y la escala de sobrecarga de Zarit (versión para cuidadores informales y versión ajustada para cuidadores formales). Se encontró correlación en el ámbito de p<0.01 entre sobrecarga y depresión (estado y rasgo) en los cuidadores informales, pero no en los formales. Resulta importante profundizar en la relación entre el afecto negativo y la sobrecarga, así como estudiar las variables contextuales que podrían incrementar el malestar de ambos grupos de cuidadores.
Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Due to the progressive decline it generates, patients require permanent care. People who take care of these patients may suffer negative psychological, physical and social consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between the level of depression and burden in a sample of 84 formal and 92 informal caregivers of patients diagnosed with AD, in the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia. It was carried out a Non-experimental, cross-sectional and correlational study. We used the Depression State/Trait Inventory, and Zarit's Burden Interview (version for informal caregivers and another one adjusted for using with formal caregivers). We found a statistically significant correlation (p<.01) between burden and depression (state/trait) in the sample of informal caregivers, but not in the formal caregivers. Further research about the relationship between negative affect and burden, and the influence of contextual variables in that relationship is necessary.
ABSTRACT
<b>Objective:</b> The aim of the present study was to clarify the signs and symptoms of impending death in end-of-life senile dementia from the point of view of formal caregivers in rural areas.<br><b>Patient/Materials and Methods:</b> We used qualitative data based on retrospective analyses. The data was gathered following a workshop on end-of-life care of the elderly with dementia attended by formal caregivers that was held in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, in September 2011. There was a total of 29 workshop participants. The workshop products were created in the first session of the workshop entitled “Signs of death.” During the session, we used the brainstorming method, and participants took turns stating at least two signs, symptoms or premonitions of death. In the end, there were 93 cards in total displaying signs of impending death observed in the end stage of dementia. These 93 entries were then classified into clear categories.<br><b>Results:</b> The categories defined were breathing disorder, consciousness decline, vital power decline, reduced oral intake, feces disorder, calm and peaceful character, blood pressure decline, change in skin color, patient odor, edema, preagonal vital power, body temperature decline, bedsore/wound deterioration, body weight reduction, cyanosis, and oliguria. The most frequently cited symptoms fell in the breathing disorder category (12 cards), followed by consciousness decline (9 cards), vital power decline (9 cards), reduced oral intake (6 cards), and feces disorder (6 cards). Also frequently mentioned were symptoms falling in the calm and peaceful character, patient odor and preagonal vital power categories.<br><b>Conclusion:</b> The results show that formal caregivers in rural areas identified breathing disorder as a top indicator of impending death in end-of-life senile dementia cases. The results also highlight some other characteristic signs of impending death, such as preagonal vital power and calm and peaceful character. This research could help develop formal caregivers’ observational skills in the end-of-life care settings.