Biopsychosocial overload and stress of the dependent elderly caregiver

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the biopsychosocial overload and stress of informal caregivers of dependent elderly. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with quantitative approach. We included 14 informal caregivers of dependent elderly people, accompanied by the Family Health Strategy in the Family Health Unit of São Bento Territory, in the city of Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The data collection was performed through an interview at home. The instruments used were: a semistructured questionnaire about sociodemographic variables; the Katz Index, for assessing the degree of dependency of the elderly; and the Zarit Burden interview scale, in order to measure the burden of caregivers. Then, a single intervention of physical exercises with average duration of 30 minutes and the delivery of an illustrative primer, including global stretching exercises and physiotherapeutic orientations, were performed. Results: The studies found out that informal caregivers present moderate to severe overload. Considering the marital status, it was verified that unmarried (separated, unmarried or widowed) tended to have a higher level of overload than married/companion. Conclusion: Informal caregivers of dependent elderly patients present moderate to severe biopsychosocial overload in their daily routine. This factor allows caregivers to be potential patients with constant functional capacity at risk. Health professionals need to seek familycentered attention, broaden their knowledge of the health-disease process and the need for interventions that go beyond curative practices.