Health-related consequences of caring for dependent relatives in older adult caregivers

Abstract

Objective: To know the health-related consequences of caring for dependent relatives in older adult caregivers. Method: Qualitative research carried out with older adult women who cared for family members enrolled in a federal public home care program. The identification of the older adult caregivers was done by consulting the patient's charts, and the interview took place from March to June 2017. The data were systematized based on Content Analysis. Results: Six older adult caregivers of people with impaired functional capacity participated in the study. Three categories emerged: care-related musculoskeletal pain; health problems related to the somatization of the lived feeling; and self-care deficit by virtue of caring for another. Conclusion: The study revealed the consequences of caring for dependent family members on the health of older adult caregivers. Careful management is essential to prevent and/or reduce health problems, especially regarding the musculoskeletal system. Health-related consequences of caring for dependent relatives in older adult caregivers*Consequências do cuidado para a saúde de idosas cuidadoras de familiares dependentes Consecuencias del cuidado para la salud de las ancianas cuidadoras de familiares dependientes

Musculoskeletal disorders of older adults: an integrative literature review

“…Of the 17 studies analyzed, five (4,7,12,16,18) associated with excessive care activities resulting in musculoskeletal disorders in caregivers. The overload of activities is characterized by the responsibility of caregivers to assume domestic tasks (12) , perform baths and transfers from older adults (6,12) and assist in the displacement of older adults (12) .…”

“…Sixteen articles (4)(5)(6)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22) address issues related to harms to the physical health of caregivers, highlighting the illness, the impairment, the regions of the body most affected and the main symptoms resulting from the sum of the feeling experienced by caregivers of older adults.…”

“…Among the musculoskeletal disorders most evident in caregivers of older adults due to care, the presence of pain is highlighted (4,6,(10)(11)18,21) in body segments (4,7,(11)(12)(13)(14)16,18) , mainly in the spine, upper and lower limbs, with moderate to intense pain intensity (6,14,17) , characterized by being persistent and uncomfortable. Other authors point to the presence of chronic musculoskeletal diseases in caregivers (4)(5)15) , such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.…”

“…Previous studies describe the concern with musculoskeletal health and its side effects related to the tasks of caring for older adults (4)(5) . Considering that a portion of these caregivers are already older adults taking care of another older adults, dealing with this issue is very important.…”

Tecnologia assistiva e a redução do estresse em cuidadores de idosos: revisão integrativa

“…Indubitavelmente o número de idosos cresce a cada ano, ou seja, as pessoas estão vivendo mais, e estes anos adicionais de vida podem ocasionar declínios na capacidade física e mental, perda de massa muscular e óssea, diminuição da elasticidade dos tendões e desgastes articulares, propiciando mudanças fisiológicas que limitam ou impedem o pleno desenvolvimento das atividades de vida diária, comprometendo o autocuidado (3,4) .…”