<p>Quality of life predictors in informal caregivers of seniors with a functional performance deficit – an example of home care in Poland</p>

Abstract

Background: There is insufficient research into informal caregivers’ quality of life (QoL) in Poland. The purpose of this work is to study predictors that considerably affect QoL of informal caregivers (IC) providing home care for seniors with chronic diseases and a functional performance deficit. Materials and methods: In the cross-sectional research design, ICs were randomly chosen among the geriatric population receiving care in 5 primary health care settings. The WHOQoL-AGE questionnaire was used to assess QoL of ICs (n=138). The Barthel scale and Polish version of the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) were applied to assess individuals with chronic diseases and functional and mental performance deficits (n=138). The Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF) was used to measure the extent of risk of depressive symptoms in care-receivers. A hierarchical regression analysis was carried out to determine predictors of caregivers’ QoL. Results: Mean values in the group of seniors provided with home care were as follows: the Barthel scale M=43.20, SD=27.06, the AMTS M=7.78 (SD=1.65), and the GDS-SF M=7.34 (SD=3.10). QoL of ICs (the WHOQoL-AGE) was M=70.14 (SD=15.31). Significant predictors of caregivers’ QoL turned out to be support in care given by others β =0.605, p <0.001, experience in care β =–0.220; p <0.001, caregivers’ health self-assessment β =0.174, p <0.001, and depressive disorders in care-receivers GDS β = −0.178, p <0.001. Conclusions: The QoL of ICs who provide care for individuals with chronic diseases and a functional performance deficit improves with an increase in the support they receive from others, their higher health self-assessment, and greater experience in care. An increase in depressive symptoms in care-receivers determines a lower level of caregivers’ QoL.

Functional Status, Quality of Life, and Physical Activity of Senior Club Members—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Fidecki et al reported that females had a slightly worse functional status than men (80.79 points vs. 80.35 points), seniors from the youngest age group showed the best fitness and marital status significantly differentiated the fitness of the respondents in terms of ADL. According to Ślusarska et al, mean value of the Barthel scale in the group of seniors provided with home care was M = 43.20 [15]. This result is significantly lower than the results of the Barthel scale of senior club members in the current study.…”

“…Respondents who could not cope with a certain part of daily activities obtained a result in the range of 21-85 points and they were placed in the second group. Full dependency is scored less than or equal to 20 points [15]. A division into groups in this study has been adopted taking into account the obtained result.…”

“…The lowest score obtained in this study on the Barthel scale was 40 and the highest score was 100. Therefore, the score range was 40-100, and participants were divided into two groups: individuals who deal with activities of daily living (ADL) well (86-100 points); and those who do not deal with ADL well (40-85 points) [15]. The Lawton I-ADL scale is used to assess the independence of subjects in performing complex tasks, which include: cleaning, cooking, washing, using the telephone, DIY, shopping, and managing their money.…”

Individual Experiences and Life Satisfaction of Informal Elderly Caregivers in Poland: A Study Based on In-depth Interviews

“…In Poland a few studies have been conducted in the field of caregivers and their life satisfaction, such as life satisfaction resulting from caregiving role (Grochowska, 2014;Stojak et al, 2019) or quality of life of informal caregivers (Perek-Białas & Stypińska, 2010;Ślusarska et al, 2019). There exists no literature however, referencing SWB strictly (as measured by the SWLS).…”

Efeito de uma intervenção no apoio social de cuidadores familiares de idosos com alta dependência

“…(sugestões para estratégias de enfrentamento e reconciliação do cuidador); "apoio do Estado" (conhecimento sobre aspectos legais e benefícios financeiros para idosos); e "obter ajuda" (contatos para associações e serviços relevantes, outras iniciativas da (COSTA et al, 2016;QUEIROZ et al, 2018;ANJOS et al, 2018;ŚlUSARSKA et al, 2019). (DINIZ et al, 2016;COUTO et al, 2016;COUTO et al, 2019).…”