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Quality of life of informal caregivers for elderly people with dementia: A comparative study
Author(s) -
Laranjeira Carlos
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.047273
Subject(s) - quality of life (healthcare) , dementia , gerontology , barthel index , perception , psychology , activities of daily living , medicine , psychiatry , disease , pathology , neuroscience , psychotherapist
Background The provision of informal care to the elderly with dementia, presenting a complex, demanding nature and with evident repercussions, affects the health, Well‐being and Quality of Life of the informal caregiver (CG). Thus, the main aim of this study was to assess the Quality of Life and Subjective Well‐being of informal caregivers of demented (non‐institutionalized) elderly, through two contrasting groups: Group A, of CG of elderly with little dependence diagnosed with mild dementia; and Group B, of CG of elderly dependents diagnosed with severe dementia. Method This was a quantitative, cross‐sectional and comparative study design. The initial sample consisted of 65 informal caregivers of the elderly with a confirmed diagnosis of dementia. Information was collected regarding demographic characteristics and diagnosis; the functional capacity of the elderly in activities of daily living (Barthel Index); the global cognitive judgments of satisfaction with one's life (SWLS); and finally, the levels of Quality of Life (WHOQOL‐BREF). Result 69% of the participants are female, aged between 53 and 89 years old (M=66.5; SD=9.4), being mostly elderly (59.7%) and with low levels of education. Male CG have a slightly more positive perception of the general facet of Quality of Life and the environment domain, compared to the female CG. The results obtained indicate that informal caregivers belonging to Group A have a more positive perception of Quality of Life and Subjective Well‐Being, compared to informal caregivers who constitute Group B, in all domains. Conclusion The profile of informal caregivers who make up the samples of the two groups under analysis is similar to that reported by studies researched in the existing literature. It should be noted that the multidisciplinary intervention model is basic, involving several health professionals who direct action plans according to the specific needs of demented elderly and their CG, covering all levels of care and biopsychosocial needs.