Quality of Life of Informal Caretakers. Alzheimer Association of Concepción

Abstract

In our country, the increase in the elderly people population is higher in comparison to other age groups. As a consequence of this situation, there is greater concern regarding both elderly people diseases and ca- retakers life quality, which is generally undermined due to the worries and tasks carried out by them. Descriptive research, of quantitative, cross-sectional and non experimental approach; the sample was of non probabilistic type, determining it according to the following criteria: a) Informal Main caretaker, b) Clinical Diagnosis of Disease of Alzheimer (EA) of the patient, and c) Member of the Alzheimer Association of Concepción. The data collection took place through self administration of the Questionnaire of Quality of Life in Health SF-36, Test of Smilkstein Family AGPAR and a Questionnaire referred to issues of the Association, this last one elaborated by the research team to know the situation of Informal Main caretakers in order to determine if their participation in this association influences its Life Quality. The sample was made up of 18 people, mainly women, (married), and sons and daughters of the patient. The surveyed population is of 51 to 60 years old, FONASA beneficiaries (National Health Fund), housewives, family income in the rank of $115.001.- and $650.001.-, they have been caretakers for 1 to 5 years and live in the Concepción district. With respect to the Life Quality regarding health, this seems acceptable, being Vitality and Corporal Pain the areas more strongly affected . As far as the vision that Informal Main Caretakers members of the Association have with respect to its influence on their Life Quality, we see a favorable tendency.