O perfil sociodemográfico do cuidador informal de idosos e nível de adesão ao definido na lei nº100/2019 no concelho do Porto

Abstract

Introduction: an ageing population represents a double victory for social and economic development and also for Public Health, but it is also a huge challenge in terms of social adaptation, calling for innovative approaches, namely for the promotion of aging in place for the elderly for which the role of informal caregivers is very important. In Portugal, informal caregivers have remained under the radar thus limiting the available data we have on them as well as the promotion and development of their role. Law nr. 100/2019 has been passed approving and regulating the informal caregiver status and promoting the sustainability and development of recognition and support measures. Objective: Analyzing the spectrum of the informal caregiver status, systematizing its regulations and planned support measures; characterizing the social and demographic profile of elderly informal caregivers; analyzing the level of adherence of the social and demographic profile and the established profile for applicability of Law nr. 100/2019; evaluating the level of awareness and the caregivers’ opinion regarding their status. Material and Methods: Exploratory and descriptive study implemented in an association of caregivers, through a questionnaire to 21 informal caregivers. A convenience non-probabilistic sampling was used. Results: The legal status of an informal caregiver acknowledges two types of caregivers: principal and non-principal. This is based on 6 criteria: adulthood, legal residence, family kinship up to 4th degree, co-residence, full-time unpaid caregiving. This legal status regulates a group of duties, rights and benefits. Duties involve respecting, supporting and caring for the elderly. Rights and benefits refer to 5 support measures: follow-up of health and social issues, caring for the caregiver, empowerment, financial support, and professional integration. This is the social and demographic profile of the informal caregiver: female (67%), married (54%), Portuguese (95%), active working age (61 years old) and educated (73%) secondary/higher education). Living in larger families (73%), with an income level more frequently below €7,372/year (26%), retired (58%) and receiving a social pension (67%). The majority (87%) are close relatives of the elderly living in the same household (89%). The caregiver has taken on this role independently (82%) as the main occupation (82%) on average for 7 years. 100% of informal caregivers meet the necessary criteria defined by Law nr. 100/2019 and may be able to request this status: 82% as principals and 18% as non-principals. Most of them (59%) are aware of their status regulation but think that this status does not cover their main needs (52%). Conclusion: The social and demographic profile of the said caregivers is in line with eligibility for the informal caregiver legal status. Still it remains to be seen if the caregivers’ real needs are met by adequate and capable support measures. Caregivers point out as improvements the currently broader support measures, the reduction of bureaucracy and the larger coverage of the caregiver’s subsidy. The next step will be the recognition of caregiving as a universal right, as important as health and education. This will be paramount for the promotion and realization of aging in place for the elderly, which fosters wellbeing.

Date of Award	15 Sept 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ana Caramelo (Supervisor)