Sobrecarga, necessidades e suporte social do cuidador familiar de utentes institucionalizados numa unidade de cuidados continuados

Abstract

The chronic processes and diseases are progressive, uncertain, intrusive and often lead to dependence, and consequent institutionalization. Studies show that informal caregivers keep providing some care after institutionalization, maintaining their role as informal caregiver. This study aims to characterize the informal caregivers of institutionalized patients in relation to their role in the institution, their needs, burden, and perception of social support; contribute to a better matching of the institution in meeting the needs and burden of informal caregivers The sample of this study consists of 40 informal caregivers of institutionalized patients. The following instruments were used: Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Critical Care Family Needs Inventory, Assessment questionnaire of the informal caregiver burden, and the satisfaction scale with the social support. From the results, we conclude that informed caregivers remain involved with their familiar after the institutionalization, maintaining the role as informal caregiver. The needs experienced by informal caregivers of institutionalized patients are similar to those experienced by caregivers that care at home, and despite the institutionalization, informal caregivers report persistent burden, and the social support presents itself as a mediator of the burden.

Date of Award	2015
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Elisa Veiga (Supervisor)