Quality of Life of Family Caregivers in Home Care: Challenges and Perspectives During COVID-19

Home Care (HC) has expanded globally, offering individualized care and reducing hospital demand, but the role of the family caregiver imposes significant physical and emotional burden, particularly during health crises like COVID-19. This study aimed to analyze the performance and quality of life perspectives of family caregivers during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study was conducted with 101 family caregivers from the Better at Home Program in Santo André, Brazil, between February and March 2021. The WHOQOL-BREF instrument was used to assess quality of life, and the Barthel Index to evaluate the degree of patient dependence. Results: The sample showed a predominance of elderly women (mean age 56 years, 44.7% between 60-84 years), with low education and family income up to two minimum wages. Most caregivers were fully dedicated to patients with high dependence (89.1% in total or severe dependence, mainly due to neurological disorders). Overall quality of life was classified as “needing to improve” or “regular” in 61.4% of cases, with the pandemic intensifying perceived difficulties and negatively impacting all quality of life domains. High prevalence of untreated chronic diseases and low COVID-19 vaccination rates were concerning findings. Conclusions: Family caregivers represent a vulnerable population requiring public policies and integrated support strategies, including quality of life assessment, psychological support, financial assistance, and respite care to ensure continuity of humanized, quality care.