Support group for family caregivers of elderly: a successful experience

Abstract

This study aims at reporting the experience of implementing a support group for family caregivers of elderly with mental disorders in an outpatient psychogeriatric. This group was drawn from the difficulties of caregivers to care for the elderly (physical activity, sleep and rest, communication, feeding, hygiene and oral hygiene) and included topics that could improve quality of life of caregivers and facilitate to care for the elderly. At each meeting the topic was addressed with the help of audiovisual materials and subsequent delivery of a leaflet containing a summary of the content discussed. During the presentations and discussions were promoted practical activities carried out in accordance with the theme. The activities were assessed by caregivers as of significant importance to their daily lives. Therefore this group can be an example of a strategy to equip family caregivers of seniors on information and techniques necessary to care for the elderly with Alzheimer's and depression.