Additional costs of living for people with physical disabilities – São Paulo and Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To calculate the additional costs of living for people with physical disabilities and to investigate their impact on family income. Methods: We identified four profiles of deficiency with different grades of severity, according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. They were related to the extent of mobility of upper and lower limbs. Additional costs were evaluated through focal groups following the Budgetary Pattern Method. We also set up a matrix to express the additional costs. Data were collected in 2013. The national minimum wage from 2015 (R$ 816,52) was considered to estimate the proportional costs. Results: Additional costs fluctuated between 2 to 14 times the national minimum wage. The profile with the minor additional cost was 2, succeeded by 1, 3 and 4. Profile 4 showed the highest additional cost since people with physical disabilities need huge intensity of personal assistance and equipment supply. In personal assistance, we calculated the work of caregivers by sharing it into 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours/day. Costs with personal assistance diversify amongst São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Paraná and Brazil due to distinct minimum wage. Conclusions: This research showed the presence of an additional cost for people with physical disabilities in all profiles. There is a risk of impoverishment with sacrifice in family’s income since they cannot waste in other domestic services. Thus, it is clear that there is a strong need of public policies to underpin these families with more health services or financial benefit.