The daily life of informal caregivers of elderly

Objectives: To identify the reasons why the informal caregivers to take care of the elderly; to identify enjoyed support and the problems/needs senses. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory and cross study. The sample was 366 informal caregivers of the elderly residents in the District of Évora (Alentejo). Applied a questionnaire, which identified the reasons that led to cohabitation, the difficulties experienced by caregivers, experienced changes in their health and support they receive. Results: Most caregivers are women, with a mean age of 54 years. The main reason of care was elderly disease. These caregivers have changed in relaxation and leisure activities, on the organization of day-to-day and on economic aspects. They receive support from health institutions, social security and firemen’s. Conclusions: Family is the support in the disease, despite the difficulties, particularly in relaxation and leisure activities, organization of day-to-day and economic matters. They requested support in healthcare, transportation and economic aid.

Stress und Belastung bei Personen im diplomatischen Dienst (Stress and burden in diplomatic service).

This paper describes working and living conditions of persons within diplomatic services from the perspective of stress and demands. The conditions of stress and demands described in this article are similar for leaders, volunteers, actors of international agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Scope and diversity of diplomatic tasks and connected psychsocial stress will be outlined. Families of diplomates are also affected. Mental health problems in the diplomatic corps are known, but they are considered as a taboo issue. Consequently, the basis of empirical research and literature is limited. It is mentioned that expatriates, migrants, refugees and students in foreign countries can develop similar problems. The role of psychology and psychotherapeutic interventions are discussed.

Stress und Belastung bei Personen im diplomatischen Dienst (Stress and burden in diplomatic service).

This paper describes working and living conditions of persons within diplomatic services from the perspective of stress and demands. The conditions of stress and demands described in this article are similar for leaders, volunteers, actors of international agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Scope and diversity of diplomatic tasks and connected psychsocial stress will be outlined. Families of diplomates are also affected. Mental health problems in the diplomatic corps are known, but they are considered as a taboo issue. Consequently, the basis of empirical research and literature is limited. It is mentioned that expatriates, migrants, refugees and students in foreign countries can develop similar problems. The role of psychology and psychotherapeutic interventions are discussed.