Training of Informal Caregivers: Relationship to the Time Spent Caring for Dependent Seniors over Age 65

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the training received by informal caregivers of dependent seniors over age 65 compared to the time spent on care in the Los Palacios and Villafranca Basic Health Zone (BHZ) in Seville (Spain) during the period from October 2010 to May 2011. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study. Sample: Forty-one (41) caregivers. Intentional non-probabilistic sampling. Own-design questionnaire. Data analysis using SPSS, Version 18.0. Results: A good portion of the caregivers in the sample (58.5%) have received no training whatsoever. As for those who have, it was mainly on the basic health care required by the person receiving care. In most cases, the institution responsible for training has been the Clinical Operations Unit and, in terms of the professionals involved, most have been nurses. Fifty percent (50%) of the informal caregivers have been working as such for an average of 7.6 years. The average time spent daily on care is 10.9 hours. Discussion / Conclusions: The informal caregivers in the sample who have spent more years caring for a dependent person over age 65 are those who have received, in greater proportion, some type of training.