Desgaste por empatía en cuidadores primarios de adultos mayores en Quito: estudio de casos en hogares de atención geriátrica

Abstract

Caregiver overload is a prevalent condition among caregivers of older adults, characterized by excessive physical, emotional and social demands. This study uses the Zarit Caregiver Overload Scale to measure levels of overload in different caregivers, evaluating the impact on their physical and emotional health. Thus, the present study on empathy burnout in primary caregivers of older adults in Quito aimed to identify the factors that influence empathy burnout in primary caregivers of older adults in geriatric care homes, as well as evaluate its impact on the mental health and well-being of the older adults served. The results show a variability in the levels of perceived overload, with an average of 31.25 points in caregivers without overload, 20.0 points in caregivers with overload and 48.47 points in those with intense overload. Factors such as extensive workload, lack of social and institutional support, and insufficient training and experience contribute significantly to emotional exhaustion and overload. A combined methodology was used that combined quantitative and qualitative methods. To obtain a broader and more detailed understanding of caregivers' experiences, the Zarit Empathy Attrition Scale was used on a representative sample of caregivers. The study was planned as a descriptive and cross-sectional research to provide a snapshot understanding of the phenomenon at a given point in time. To reduce empathy burnout, it is recommended to strengthen institutional resources and foster social support networks. According to research, improving these contextual factors not only benefits caregivers, but also improves the quality of care and well-being of older adults in nursing homes.