Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 1(1), 1-8, 2022

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10600103

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Women carers of dependent older adults

As the ageing process is understood, a complex interplay between the physical and mental alterations

that accompany this inevitable journey is revealed. Objective: to analyse the experiences of female

caregivers of dependent older adults. Methods: The study population consisted of 40 female

caregivers. Results: 92.5% (n=37) of the respondents confessed to currently experiencing role

overload, indicating the evident presence of the syndrome in these individuals. Conclusion: The

disproportionate burden placed on women, who must balance multiple roles, underscores the

urgency of implementing psychosocial support protocols that promote an equitable distribution of

family responsibilities.

estudio estuvo integrada por 40 cuidadoras. Resultados: El 92,5% (n=37) de los encuestados

confiesa estar experimentando actualmente sobrecarga por el rol asumido, indicando la presencia

evidente del síndrome en estos individuos. Conclusión: La carga desproporcionada que recae

sobre las mujeres, quienes deben equilibrar múltiples roles, subraya la urgencia de implementar

protocolos de apoyo psicosocial que promuevan una distribución equitativa de responsabilidades

familiares.

Descriptores: enfermo terminal; cuidadores; poblaciones vulnerables. (Fuente: DeCS).

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 1(1), 1-8, 2022

Mujeres cuidadores de adultos mayores dependientes

Nancy Yolanda Fernández-Aucapiña

2

INTRODUCTION

As the ageing process is understood, it reveals a complex interplay between the

physical and mental alterations that accompany this inevitable journey. In this

scenario, some older individuals find themselves at a crossroads where vulnerability

becomes so pronounced that their survival depends, to a large extent, on the

dedication and care of others. This burden often falls on the shoulders of caregivers,

status are limited. Lack of time for self-care and reduced social relationships

contribute to this picture, often leaving the caregiver in a state of marked emotional

and physical exhaustion. The inevitable consequence is the disruption of daily life,

with conflicts arising in the family, work and social spheres.

These challenges underline the urgency of conducting comprehensive studies that

shed light on the reality of the caregiver. Such an approach is not only essential to

understand their unique experience, but also to design effective strategies that

contribute to improving their quality of life. It is imperative to recognise that social

care often tends to neglect the wellbeing of the carer, focusing largely on the person

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 1(1), 1-8, 2022

Mujeres cuidadores de adultos mayores dependientes

Nancy Yolanda Fernández-Aucapiña

3

sacrifice, encompasses emotional, physical and social dimensions that have a direct

impact on the caregivers' quality of life and thus on the overall experience of ageing

and dependency.

The intensity of this often underestimated task reveals the complexity of balancing

multiple responsibilities and roles, from daughters and wives to professionals and

active members of society. This introduction seeks to delve into the lives of women

who take on the challenging role of caregivers of dependent older adults, exploring

the challenges, rewards and the prevailing need to properly understand and support

those who play this essential role in our society.

dependent older adults.

This study adopts a descriptive observational approach to immerse itself in the

complexities of rural communities in the Ingapirca parish.

objective framework for sample selection, ensuring the relevance and

representativeness of participants.

To assess symptoms of caregiver strain, the recognised Zarit test was used. This

tool, structured in a survey format with 22 questions aligned with the research

objectives, was administered face-to-face during home visits. This approach allowed

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 1(1), 1-8, 2022

Mujeres cuidadores de adultos mayores dependientes

Nancy Yolanda Fernández-Aucapiña

4

for a deeper immersion into the experiences of caregivers, capturing data in an

authentic and enriching way.

understanding of the target population. By streamlining the data collection process

through direct visits, a more authentic connection with caregivers was facilitated,

adding a human and contextual component to the research. Overall, this

methodological design provides a solid foundation for exploring and understanding

the experiences of caregivers in rural communities in Ingapirca parish.

In the exploration of the results, a high degree of psychological stress emerges

particularly alarming that 30% (n=12) of the caregivers report experiencing this

dysfunctional psychological state on a constant basis.

A revealing pattern emerges when observing that 67.5% (n=28) of the cases

experience a significant reduction in time spent with themselves, being more evident

in the categories "almost always" and "sometimes". In two cases, this personal

sacrifice is manifested permanently, correlating with the degree of severe

dependency of the dependant.

Social loneliness stands out as another crucial element, affecting 87.5% of carers

(n=35). Of this group, 60% (24) report that this distancing is a constant in their lives,

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 1(1), 1-8, 2022

Mujeres cuidadores de adultos mayores dependientes

Nancy Yolanda Fernández-Aucapiña

5

symptoms, adding an additional layer of complexity to the situation. These findings

highlight the pressing need for interventions and strategies that address the physical

and emotional dimensions of caregiving, providing a holistic approach to improving

DISCUSSION

Work overload among caregivers is a phenomenon of great relevance, generating

significant transformations in the family, work and social environment. These

unattractive and repetitive tasks, often engenders adverse attitudes and feelings

towards the dependent person, in this case, the older adult. The physical and

psychological ailments of the caregiver often go unnoticed or take a back seat to the

overwhelming responsibility of caregiving.

The results obtained make it clear that caregiver overload manifests itself in virtually

all participants in the sample. Predominant symptoms among caregivers include the

experience of role overload, a marked reduction in time spent with themselves,

psychological tensions and social distancing. It is evident that in situations where

experiences are more unfavourable, the caregiving role is assumed directly and not

shared with other family members. Single women are in the majority in these roles,

and in cases where they are not, there are conflicts and misunderstandings on the

part of spouses or children. Caregivers with strong blood ties to the older adult,

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 1(1), 1-8, 2022

Mujeres cuidadores de adultos mayores dependientes

Nancy Yolanda Fernández-Aucapiña

6

and social mandates entrenched in many developing societies. This leads to a

disproportionate burden on women, who must balance the additional roles of mother,

daughter, wife and worker, intensifying the experience of role overload considerably.

Consequently, there is a strong need to design and implement care and psychosocial

support protocols for caregivers in the community. These protocols should

emphasise the importance of an equitable distribution of tasks and responsibilities

related to the care of the dependent person, actively involving all family members.

This holistic approach is essential to address the complex challenges faced by

caregivers and to foster a more sustainable and equitable care environment.

CONCLUSION

overload, reduced personal time, psychological tensions and social distancing. In

unfavourable situations, the caregiving role is assumed individually, often by single

women, perpetuating entrenched gender stereotypes. The disproportionate burden

on women, who must balance multiple roles, underscores the urgency of

implementing psychosocial support protocols that promote an equitable distribution

of family responsibilities.

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Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 1(1), 1-8, 2022

Mujeres cuidadores de adultos mayores dependientes

Nancy Yolanda Fernández-Aucapiña

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Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 1(1), 1-8, 2022

Mujeres cuidadores de adultos mayores dependientes

Nancy Yolanda Fernández-Aucapiña

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FUNDING