The caregiving ability of the caretaker of patients suffering from chronic and disabling diseases at home

Abstract

SUMMERY: the caregiving ability of the caretaker of patients suffering from chronic and disabling diseases at home. Objective: a comparative analysis of the principal caretakers of patients with chronicle diseases and the success of these treatments in the patient. Methodology: a long term prospective and analytical study of home going patients in Cali, with in home nurses taking turns from January 2012 to May 2013. The Criteria of involvement was determined as followed: presence of chronic and disabling diseases, presence of a primary caretaker in the home and consensus of the family. The questionnaire used was “Skill of caring for carers” (CAI). Results: it has been found that: female caretakers, patients older than 60 years of age and caretakers between 35 and 65 years of age scored the following respective percentages: 87.5%, 53% and 72%. Furthermore it has been established that: patients with offspring acting as caretakers, patients with total dependency of full time care, and caretakers spending more than 37 months on their patients according to Barthel’s Scale, scored the following respective percentages: 34.2%, 65% and 59%. In the first measurement taken: caretakers with a low ability of caring for their patients scored 71.7%. In the last measurement taken: caretakers with a high ability of caring for their patients scored 72.5%. Discussion: it is evident that by informing caretakers of obsolete medical instructions, a higher amount caregiving ability by the caregiver is achieved hence enhancing the quality of life for the patient when cared by a family member and within the home. It is also evident that avoiding the abandonment of the patient results in a more agile and active patient in the home.