ELDERLY CAREGIVERS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE: BURDEN AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

OBJECTIVE. To determine the burden and social support perceived by elderly caregivers of elderly people. METHOD. Cross-sectional study using a standardized questionnaire for elderly caregivers of elderly people. RESULTS. In the population of elderly caregivers of elderly people, the prevalent type of care is by couples (84.1 %), and the percentages of men and women correspond to 40.2 % and 59.8 %, respectively. The 53.3 % of caregivers have burden, of which a 31.8 % present an intense burden, and a 21.5 % a slight burden. Regarding to perceived social support of elderly caregivers, it is normal in a 81.3 % of cases, compared to a 18.7 % who reflecting a low perceived social support. Finally, there is correlation between Duke social support questionnaire and Zarit scale caregiver burden. CONCLUSION. Elderly caregivers of elderly people who have higher levels of burden have lower perceived social support.