Resumen

GIRALDO M, Clara Inés et al. Relatives as caregivers of the elderlywho they are and how they assume their role. Rev. Fac. Nac. Salud Pública [online]. 2005, vol.23, n.2, pp.7-15. ISSN 0120-386X.

Objective: to characterize the demographic profile of relatives who have the role of caregivers of functional dependant aged persons and to describe the way they assume their role. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study; 39 caregivers related to functional dependant aged people, living in Envigado and acting as caregivers for six or more months, receiving no economic retribution. Convenience sample. Results: 100% women, average age 53.9 years; 64.1%, daughters of the person being taken care of; 89.7% share household with the aged person; 38.5%, married and 38.5% single, 51.3% have children. Low level of education: 28.1% unfinished primary school. Socioeconomic situation: 89,7% of them with an average family income under two monthly minimum wages, 79,5% share the role of caregiver with somebody else; 64.1% have had no previous remunerated activity. With respect to care: 30.8% have Relatives as caregivers of the elderly: who they are and how they assume their role done it for 3 to 6 years; 12.9%, for over 12 years; 76.9% dedicate more than eight hours a day to it; 56.3% receive support mainly from the family; and from the formal system. 7.7% Conclusions: recognition of this type of care in Colombia is incipient; there is a similarity in the profile of studied caregivers with that of other countries; profile current state is accentuated both by the scarce time left for personal enrichment and by scant systematic support; an absence of health policies aimed to strengthening family care and caregivers is perceived.

Palabras clave : Relatives as caregivers; informal care; old age; aging; functional dependence.