THE PERCEPTUAL CAREGIVERS OF TBI PATIENTS ON THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE.

Abstract

Introduction:Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be defined as an injury to the brain as a result of external trauma, resulting in momentary or permanent brain changes, cognitive in nature and / or functional. An individual with this condition, will undergo significant changes and conflicts in style and quality of life, and this time the need arises from the presence of a caregiver. Objective: To identify the perceptions of caregivers about their quality of life, given the new responsibilities assumed under the condition of caregiver of a patient with TBI. Methodology: The survey was conducted in clinical rehabilitation FAG, through a semi-structured questionnaire, based on questionnaire Jimenez (2006), with four caregivers of TBI patients. Results: The results showed that 100% of caregivers had partial knowledge about TCE and assumed the role less than 4 years. 50% have opted for this assignment and 50% of them felt that there were negative changes in family routine. 75% of these caregivers occupy between 12 and 24 hours of your day and 100% of them felt changes in any sphere of their daily lives. 100% of caretakers to perform physiotherapy exercises at home, seeking greater independence of this patient, however, 75% of them perform this function with difficulty. Conclusion: Regardless of the factors that contributed to the condition of caregiver, it is evident that there is interference in daily life and quality of life of caregivers due to the act of caring, where leisure, work and study just overlooked by this new assignment.