Caregiver overload in the home care program for people with severe dependency: a family study with a focus on primary care.

Abstract

Introduction: This is a family study focused on home care for people with dependency, highlighting the contextualization of how this program works in Chile. The case of R.S.M., a 73-year-old male patient with total dependency since April 2024, whose clinical history reveals multiple pathologies and problems of adherence to treatment, is presented. Development: His situation significantly impacts his family, especially his daughter who assumes the role of primary caregiver. From the point of view of the Mc-Goldrick family structure, R.S.M. lives in an extended family, in which the interpersonal relationships of the nucleus are not stressful or strained. She has important support and collaboration networks. Among the protective factors, the good family relationship stands out; however, among the risk factors are the multiple medical conditions of some family members, in addition to R.S.M.'s severe dependence, which can cause stress in the caregivers. The physical environment was also evaluated, highlighting the quality of housing and the neighborhood environment. Discussion: The main problems were identified as the deterioration of the patient's mobility, caregiver overload and depressive symptomatology of the spouse, so that from the point of view of nursing interventions, the importance of psychosocial interventions in users with severe dependence is highlighted.