As disabled people become older, they often have more complex problems, due to the difficulties of social active insertion. This study aims to characterize the socio-demographic and health conditions of people with disabilities aged 50 years and over, and their caregivers. This is a descriptive study conducted through interviews with 43 disabled elderly and 39 caregivers. It was found that people with disabilities live with a relative, 51.2% did not attend formal education, 69.8% survive of retirement, 46.5% used three or more drugs and 69.8% did not do Pap smear / breast or prostate preventive screening. Among caregivers, 79.5% were female, 84.7% have little or no schooling, were sibling or nephew, have been caregivers for ten years or more, do not get help from other relatives and do not have regular leisure activity. Among them, 18% reported three or more health problems and 44% use three or more drugs. Disabled people over 50 exhibit some characteristics similar to other elderly dependents, but their condition of dependency is long lasting, which requires special health actions both for elderly and caregivers.
Health of the Elderly; Disabled Persons; Home Health Aides; Professional-Patient Relations Caregivers
