Interdisciplinary intervention with caregivers of dependent elderly people. Role of the Occupational Therapist

Abstract

Sociodemographic changes have led to an increase number of elderly people with dependent diseases. One of the keys for this comprehensive approach is preparing the person who will take care of the elderly. Dedication to care can lead to overload and abandonment of activities, with the consequent postponement of their own life project. The following article aims to describe the systematization of an interdisciplinary intervention with caregivers of the elderly people who have pathologies that are strongly associated with dependency; Furthermore, it is proposed to define the role and contribution of the occupational therapist in the interdisciplinary health team. Sociodemographic variables and aspects related to care were measured and focus groups with caregivers were carried out to know the perception about the contribution of the intervetion, in face-to-face and virtual mode, in the context of COVID 19 pandemic. The data analysis shows a higher percentage of women than men who perform this role and a high percentage of caregivers over 60 years old. Caregivers recognize the device’s support, company space, listening and learning functions and identify the occupational therapist as a team professional, who provides support and information, taking into account the demand and needs in each particular case. In conclusion, interdisciplinary intervention constitutes an alternative, within the social health network, for a comprehensive approach to dementia and other diseases leading to dependence, which considers the needs of the caregiver and the elderly person.