Abstract
Brazil has experienced an aging population process that poses challenges to meet the needs of the elderly group, especially those with functional limitations. In this scenario, Long-Term Care (LTC) institutions for the elderly can be important to provide support and help to this population group and their families. The aim of this paper is to characterize the profile of the formal caregivers in LTC institutions. More specifically, this paper addresses the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of this population group measured by the SF-36 instrument. Sociodemographic and occupational profile of these individuals is also discussed. The data come from a survey carried out in 2012 among the formal caregivers employed in 11 of the 12 ILPI registered in Natal, RN. Ninety two formal caregivers were interviewed and they represent 68% of the total universe of this group in the city. Descriptive analysis and statistical tests to verify differences between philanthropic and private institutions are provided. The greatest loss of HRQoL was observed for the general health perceptions dimension followed by vitality and bodily pain domains. The loss of HRQoL may reflect the excessive workload imposed on caregivers related to both working hours and the high number of elderly people under the responsibility of each caregiver. Non statistically significant differences were observed in the HRQoL between philanthropic and private institutions.
Key words
Aging population; Formal caregivers of the elderly; Long-term care institutions; SF-36; Health-Related quality of life