O autocuidado de quem cuida

: o papel do autocuidado na adaptação de cuidadores informais de adultos mais velhos

Abstract

Caring for older adults, while they experience the process of ageing, is human nature. However, due to the constant changes in society, this role has been increasingly emerging and becoming progressively more demanding for informal caregivers. Alongside the increase in age of life expectancy, and consequent rise of the elderly population, the decrease of independence in older people becomes more and more common. This results in a greater need for care within societal norms, that usually ends up being taken on by family members. As such, it is essential to understand how informal caregivers can execute this role nowadays, without despising self-care behaviours. Thus, the overall goal of this study is based on understanding the experience of informal caregivers of adults aged 65 years old or older, especially regarding self-care. The study sample accounts for 35 individuals that care for adults aged 65 years old or older. The participants responded to sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires (sociodemographic questionnaire; characterization of health questionnaire; informal caregiver experience questionnaire; Caregiver Burden Scale; The Hamburg Self-care Questionnaire; The Flourishing Scale) through the Qualtrics XM platform. For the self-care variable, in general the sample of the study showed medium levels of self-care. Regarding the burden and the flourishing variables, the participants revealed levels that were tending towards elevated scores. Furthermore, statistically significant correlations were observed between self-care and burden (ρ = -0,58; p < 0,001), as well as among self-care and flourishing (ρ = 0,80; p < 0,001). The present study contributes to the investigation of subjects that encompass the self-care of informal carers of older adults. The obtained results were revealed to be in conformity with previous studies. As well, the variables and correlations that were analysed, demonstrate the relevance in this population adhering to self-care practices and behaviours.

Date of Award	14 Mar 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Bárbara Nazaré (Supervisor)