INTRODUCTION: As population ages, it becomes relevant to assess the burden and quality of life of caregivers of elderly. This practice is often difficult. The caregiver needs to add to daily activities, tasks for the elderly, exposing themselves to a high standard of burden or negative aspects associated with the care for dependents. This can lead to a worsening of quality of life and consequent illness. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the socio-demographic profile and the relationship between overload and perceived quality of life of caregivers for the elderly at the Elderly Care Army Center (Natiex). METHODS: 61 participants were investigated through the WHOQOL-BREF and Zarit Burden Interview. RESULTS: Of the 61 elderly assessed, 78.6% were women, 75.4% were daughters, 50.8% married, 62.3% aged over 50 years and 95.1% had activities without pay. We identified a statistically significant relationship between increased overburden and worsening perception of quality of life (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: As the burden increases, there is a worsening of the perceived quality of life in all areas: relationships, psychological, physical and environmental (environmental domain showed the greatest impact). The results were higher than other Brazilian samples, possibly due to the easier access of militaries to health care. Support groups for caregivers should be encouraged as a primary prevention of health problems related to care, considering the increasing demand of dependent elderly.
Quality of Life; Caregivers; Aged; Health Profile; Burden
