The dependency in the process of growing old: a review about informal caregivers of elderly people

Abstract

The present study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the informal caregivers of dependent elderly. This is a review article, accomplished throughout the assessment of the literature, mainly constituted by articles and dissertations published between 1997 and 2007. It focuses on the following topics: caregiver profile, care tasks, repercussions of the care and support strategies for caregivers. The findings point to the importance of providing a quality support to informal caregivers. An increase in studies about the subject should be encouraged to provide subsidies for the creation/improvement of assistance for caregivers, taking account of specific socio-cultural aspects.