Family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the difficulties encountered by family caregivers of elderly persons with Alzheimer's disease, when performing their tasks; to identify the repercussions of this activity in their daily life, the feelings that this new function has brought about, and the knowledge and orientation gaps identified by them. An exploratory descriptive method was used with a questionnaire as a data collection instrument; answered by twenty one family caregivers who were part of a support group. The major difficulties reported were: non-acceptance of the disease and of the role of caregiver, lack of knowledge and orientation on how to be a caregiver, issues with the patient's personal hygiene, mobility, and level of total dependency. As for the repercussions of their role as caregivers in their personal life, they reported a reduction or lack of time for any type of leisure activity, sleeplessness, decreased self-esteem, increased fatigue, exhaustion or stress, symptoms of depression, difficulty concentrating and feelings of loneliness. The data revealed flaws in the orientation of the health professionals, as well as a certain inadequacy of the caregivers in regard to their own care.