Factors associated with the skills of informal caregivers in home care

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify factors associated with cognitive, emotional, psychomotor, and relational skills of informal caregivers in home care. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out with a sample of 216 informal caregivers residing in a municipality in the state of Paraná. Data collection took place between February and July 2019, with an instrument developed and validated to assess the skills of informal caregivers. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used. Results: The factors associated with a greater competence of informal caregivers were being female, having training in the field, and having more than five years home care experience. The lowest competence was observed in caregivers who had health problems and belonged to the lowest strata of family purchasing power. Participants had lower scores in psychomotor competence and had better results in cognitive competence. Conclusion: It was found that women with experience in care had higher levels of competence to provide quality care at home assistance services.