O familiar cuidador de portador de doença de Alzheimer participante de um grupo de ajuda mútua

In order to identify the characteristics related to a relative who takes care of a patient suffering from Alzheimer Disease (AD), this study included an intentional sample of 30 caregivers that participate in the Relatives Mutual Help Group of senior individuals suffering from Alzheimer Disease and/or Similar Diseases; a university extension project at the Nursing Department of the Federal University of Santa Catarina along with the Brazilian Association of Alzheimer Disease - Regional / SC. Data was collected through a Family Caregiver Profile Questionnaire (QPFC) with items identifying the main relative caregiver and items regarding the situation of the care given to the elderly with AD. Among the results it was shown that women between 30 and 70 years of age are the main caregivers, and they are also devoted to the care of their families. It was also pointed out that 40% of caregivers are seniors who take care of their partners. Such characterization offers very important subsidies that point toward the adoption of more appropriate conducts in the family daily care considering the condition of chronicity and lingering evolution of the disease that can last up to more than one decade.