Overload degree of caregivers of elderly assisted at home by the Family Health Strategy

ABSTRACT This study aimed to know the sociodemographic characteristics, health and the degree of overload on caregivers of patients attended at home by the Family Health Strategy of Sobral (CE). In this quantitative approach research of descriptive type, 60 caregivers of the elderly were interviewed an it was used Zarit scale. Caregivers are of all ages, including those who have more than 60 years (26.7%), female (90%), hypertensive (33.3%), and diabetes (16.7%); and present light overload (81.7%). It was identified the existence of older people caring for the elderly and fragility in supporting actions to families, requiring new care strategies and direction of policies.