Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Abstract
The increasing overload of chronic conditions raises challenges for the health system.
Informal caregivers have a major role in ensuring the quality of life of the cared-for person, despite
the reported lack of working resources which can lead to unmet needs. This article reports on the
first part of a nurse-led research project entitled “Informal caregiver’ profiles in Lisbon county: a
health community approach.’ We aimed to support decision-making by developing an informal
caregiver profile to promote tailored interventions. A survey addressing the dyad was developed and
submitted to a convenient, network-based, stratified sample of carers aged 18 years or above. More
than thirty community partners supported the identification of caregivers. Data were submitted to
univariate descriptive analysis. A profile of the cared-for person and the informal caregiver was
uncovered by identifying 639 caregivers, of whom the majority lived with the cared-for person. Only
four percent planned the transition to a caregiver role, and no more than 10% had access to support
programs. Approximately half of the respondents found that COVID-19 negatively impacted their
performance in the caregiver role. Developing a local and tailored strategy with collaboration between
healthcare professionals, academics, and community partners is key to ensuring that meaningful
support is provided to caregivers.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio