Perceptions of non-professional caregivers of older adults regarding the geriatric care received and their role in comprehensive care

Introduction. Population aging has generated an increase in the demand for long-term care, often assumed by informal caregivers, who face multiple physical, emotional, and social challenges. Their experience is key to improving care for older adults. Objective. To determine the perceptions of non-professional caregivers of older adults in a public hospital in Peru, in relation to the geriatric care received and their role in comprehensive patient care. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among caregivers of geriatric patients at the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital during November and December 2024. The validated IEXPAC 2018 questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of non-professional caregivers of older adults cared for in the previous six months. Results. A total of 120 caregivers participated, with a mean age of 48.6 and a standard deviation of 12 years. Ninety-five percent were women. The items with the highest positive ratings were: "knowing who to contact in the emergency room" and "information to better care for the patient," both with over 85%. Approximately 70% highlighted positive aspects of the home geriatric care service, such as adherence to treatment plans, medication safety, and promotion of healthy habits. Ninety-nine percent considered it urgent to implement a specialized geriatric service, and 90% requested weekly care for their patients. Conclusions. Although caregivers perceive adequate treatment from healthcare personnel, they identify a marked inadequacy in the provision of specialized geriatric services. This gap highlights a structural challenge for the Peruvian healthcare system in providing comprehensive care to older adults.