Family wellbeing and caregiving experiences in a dependency support program in an urban commune in Chile

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The current epidemiological situation leads to an increase in people with dependency and needs of family care, mostly done by women without pay and with high overload. This represents a challenge for the health system, specifically for primary health care. The objective of the study was to understand the experiences of home care from the perspective of caregivers and people with dependency, participating in the Home Care Program for People with Severe Dependency in primary care in a district of the Metropolitan Region of Chile. METHODS: A qualitative study was developed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 caregivers and 6 people in a situation of dependency, with a qualitative content analysis. The findings on care experiences were organized in family, social and health system spheres. RESULTS: Family support is essential for care and provides greater satisfaction to dependent people than to their caregivers. The availability of community support networks and social services is scarce and with little information. The health system is key to supporting home care; however, it is described as inappropriate and incapable of following up on the needs. DISCUSSION: Limited support networks, misinformation and distance from social and health programs unbalance the responsibility of care for families.