The impact on the quality of life of caregivers inserted in an aphasia group environment therapy

ABSTRACT

Purpose  The present study compared the quality of life and the perception of caregivers of aphasics in a context of group therapy for people with aphasia.

Methods  This is a cross-sectional, observational, and quantitative study, carried out with 13 aphasic caregivers who received group care and 13 aphasic caregivers who did not receive a group speech therapist. For data collection, individual interviews with caregivers were carried out, using the Burden Interview - Zarit.

Results  It was found that 45.2% of caregivers reported moderate to severe burden. However, the burden assessed by means of the questionnaire was mild to moderate and there was no significant difference between the group with and without speech therapy.

Conclusion  There is an important impact on the quality of life of caregivers of patients with aphasia. Further studies are needed to deepen the role of group speech therapy in the quality of life of caregivers.

Keywords:  Stroke; Aphasia; Caregiver; Quality of life; Health of specific groups