Assistência ao paciente idoso com Alzheimer: a informação do cuidador familiar sobre a doença pode fazer a diferença?

Abstract

The present research deals with the Assistance to Elderly Patients with Alzheimer's disease, which is a severe dementia associated with old age. A high increase of diagnosis has been observed in Brazil. The disease is characterized by a progressive decline in the areas of cognition, function, and behavior. The general objective was to recognize the importance that a regular multi-professional course given to family caregivers at the Mixed Health Unit of Taguatinga exercises in the quality of had of elderly people monitoring. The specific objectives were to identify how the interviewees perceive themselves in relation to the knowledge they have about the disease and the preparation for care. The participants were divided into two groups, A and B, composed, respectively, by caregivers who participated in this course and those who did not participate. The research is characterized by a qualitative and descriptive nature. The sample consisted of 16 caregivers, 8 of each group. Data collection was performed between April and May 2017 through a structured interview. Before applying it, the objectives of the study were explained to the participants and they signed the Free and Informed Consent Term. They were individually addressed, in person and in some cases, by telephone. The authorization for recording the calls was requested in advance. The technique used for analyzing the data was based on interpreting the respondents' answers. The research was approved by the Committee of Ethics in Research of the Secretary of State of Health of the Federal District. The data obtained in the research presented a profile of caregivers. The majority of them are women, married, aged over 45 years old and many senior women, with pre-school education being the norm. They are daughters, who live with the elderly, accompanying them exclusively for more than 7 years. When asked about knowledge the disease, almost all of respondents in group A reported having it, unlike group B, which showed lack of knowledge. When the subject was about being or not being prepared for caring, most of the caregivers from group A declared themselves to be prepared, standing out in relation to B, who said they were unprepared. Both groups gave similar answers when asked about their opinion regarding the importance of a course about care. In general, the research presents questions that deserve reflection. We recognize the importance of health education and its positive impact on the complex chain of care for the elderly with Alzheimer's disease. The relevance of the course offered by the Taguatinga Joint Health Unit is also validated. The course focuses on this significant public that is family caregivers, a strategic link between the elderly and the health services.