Cuidar sem desgaste: fortalecendo quem cuida

Abstract

Introduction: The Portuguese population has been progressively aging, a trend expected to continue in the coming years, contributing to an increased incidence of chronic and disabling diseases. This phenomenon results in greater functional dependency among the elderly population and a growing need for continuous care. Consequently, in recent years, there has been a significant demand for services provided by social support institutions for the elderly. In this context, formal caregivers play an essential role, performing tasks that require considerable physical and emotional effort, making them particularly vulnerable to burnout.Methodology: Based on the diagnosis of burnout, assessed using the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Scale and grounded in the health planning methodology, an intervention project was structured for formal caregivers. This project aimed to empower caregivers in preventing and mitigating burnout by promoting skill development and increasing their health literacy through group training sessions. These sessions focused on elderly care for individuals with dementia, grief management, relaxation techniques, and recreational activities. The project was disseminated to community partners to raise awareness of the identified problem and highlight the importance of implementing preventive measures. The theoretical foundation supporting the project was Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model.Results: The findings revealed significant levels of burnout, particularly in the physical and cognitive dimensions, among formal caregivers. All planned interventions were fully implemented, achieving an attendance rate of over 70% and receiving an overall positive evaluation from participants. The analysis of the results demonstrated a 30% increase in acquired knowledge, reflecting the effectiveness of the intervention and its relevance in empowering formal caregivers.Conclusion: This study highlights the fundamental role of the specialist nurse in Community and Public Health Nursing in identifying and addressing community health problems, particularly through health literacy initiatives and burnout prevention among formal caregivers.