As condições de trabalho dos cuidadores de idosos fragilizados em Manaus

Abstract

The growing population of elderly is a worldwide phenomenon, in which many are also older, due to advances in medical technology that enable man to live longer but not a guarantee of quality of life for everyone, because many older, having to struggle with poor with his family to survive. With the increase in life expectancy, older age, those over 80 years, begin to demand for care by performing basic activities of daily living, the incidence of chronic diseases, making them dependent. The family have been going through a remarkable transformation, from the inclusion of women in the labor market, among other factors, causing a reduction in their size, number of emerging models of family and specific demands. The majority of Brazilian families are responsible for the care of their elders, but without any guidance and training, few can still hire a professional caregiver support and formal care. From this perspective, as to the overall goal, we sought to analyze the working conditions of caregivers of frail elders in Manaus. The specific goals: identify who are the caregivers and the frail elderly; describe the activities performed by caregivers in households consider whether working conditions affect their health, causing interference in the practice of caring. The methodology was quanti nature and the case study method. The techniques: documentary research, interviews and use the recorder. Of the total of 248 caregivers identified 08 graduates in 2008, these 05 agreed to participate. The inclusion criteria were consent to participate in the interview as a volunteer, 2) be caring for frail elderly independent of the type of health problem, 3) work at home. As for the exclusion criteria: 1) refused to participate in the interview 2) work in health units, long-term institution or family caregiver. Script was applied semi-structured interview with 05 caregivers and 01 questionnaire to municipal management policy for the elderly, totaling 06 subjects, that after collecting the data we analyze the speeches. Results: The formal caregivers are only women in the group envelhecentes that serve the elderly of middle and upper classes who lived in the north, considered the exploitation of precarious workers activities not covered by its function, with no recognition and appreciation of family, low wages, for not being officially recognized as professionals. The activities are to support the basic activities of daily living autonomy and independence for the elderly. Due to the intense day of work with formal employment contract or not, and no family support to these caregivers, are overloaded, accumulate stress, taking care to leave for work for fear of losing their jobs and the link with the elderly, also by requiring health care and assistance. The role of formal caregiver needs to be recognized as a profession, for the family, the state and society can monitor these services, to provide a skilled care for the elderly at home, significantly reducing gender discrimination, as well as providing better.