The aim of this study was to investigate whether the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of elderly individuals in home care is influenced by socio-demographic characteristics, the support network offered to the caregiver and variables related to the act of providing care. Forty caregivers of elderly individuals in a home care program in the city of São Paulo (Brazil) were interviewed. QOL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Socio-demographic characteristics and variables related to the support network offered to the caregiver and to the act of providing care were obtained through a complementary questionnaire. Linear regression analysis demonstrated an independent relation between greater number of hours dedicated to care and three SF-36 subscales: functional capacity, physical aspects and emotional aspects. Having more than eight years of schooling denoted a better score on the general health state subscale and a worse score on the social aspects subscale. Caregivers over 60 years of age achieved a worse score on the physical aspects subscale and women achieved a worse score on the pain subscale. Sons/daughters or spouses who take care of their parents or partners achieved a worse score on the emotional aspects domain. Caregivers who had changed their routine in order to offer care achieved a worse score on the mental health subscale. Socio-demographic factors, the support network offered to the caregiver, and factors related to the dynamics of care can have a negative influence over the QOL of the main caregivers of elderly individuals in home care.
Home Care; Caregivers; Quality of Life; Elderly
