Introduction

Currently, the number of older adults has been rapidly increasing due to the current demographic transition, which has made more visible the need for providing care. Becoming a caregiver is a complex process that includes changes in the daily life and health of caregivers, especially when they are also elderly caregivers. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the impact generated in the daily life of caregivers caring for dependent elderly.

Materials and Methods

An observational, descriptive study using a qualitative approach was conducted on elderly caregivers caring for elderly people. 39 elderly caregivers were interviewed. For data collection, the interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire with digital audio recording. For data analysis, Minayo’s thematic content analysis was used.

Results

The following three thematic categories were proposed: changing daily routine, being an untrained elderly caregiver and having an emotional and physical imbalance.

Discussion

It was possible to observe that caregivers of elderly people, in order to become caregivers, go through an intense change of their routine with respect to the time staying at home, social isolation, which makes this population be vulnerable to psychological and physical dependence and have a greater tendency to the physiological condition of aging. In addition, it was possible to confirm the poor performance of the Primary Health Care service in relation to educational guidance and actions.

Conclusions

It was evident the great overburden on caregivers who care for older adults, especially when they are also elderly caregivers with similar characteristics and needs to those of elderly dependents. Further investments are required for educational actions on the primary care service

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