Projeto de Intervenção Comunitária: Cuidar Sem Desgaste, Fortalecendo Quem Cuida

Portugal is experiencing a marked demographic ageing, resulting in increased vulnerability and dependency among the elderly population and, consequently, a greater demand for social support services. Despite institutional efforts to expand their capacity to respond, challenges remain, particularly in retaining qualified professionals. In this context, formal caregivers are especially susceptible to burnout due to constant exposure to physical and emotional demands. In response to this issue, the project “Caring Without Burnout: Empowering Those Who Care” was developed with the aim of preventing burnout among formal caregivers in social institutions through professional training and the enhancement of health literacy. The initial assessment, using the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure, revealed significant levels of burnout, particularly in the dimensions of physical and cognitive fatigue. The intervention included health education sessions on dementia care, grief management, and relaxation techniques, complemented by a recreational activity that promoted emotional and physical well-being among participants. The project was based on the Health Planning Methodology and supported by Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model. Dissemination efforts with community partners aimed to raise awareness of the issue and foster collaboration. With a participation rate above 80% and a 30% increase in participants' knowledge, the results demonstrated the effectiveness of the intervention. The study highlights the crucial role of the specialist nurse in community health nursing in promoting the health and valuing the work of formal caregivers, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of care provided to the elderly population.