Objective:

to determine the differences between care ability and caregiver burden in caregivers of patients on peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis who were treated at a healthcare center in Cúcuta-Colombia.

Methods:

Comparative descriptive study. 25 caregivers of people on peritoneal dialysis and 43 of people on hemodialysis were included. The Chronic Care Caregiver Skill Instrument and the Zarit Burden Interview were applied.

Results:

A significant difference was found in two of the three dimensions of care ability. Regarding Caregiver burden, higher levels were presented in the dimensions of impact and competencies-expectations in the peritoneal dialysis group.

Conclusions:

The caregivers of patients on peritoneal dialysis require greater support and preparation that allow them to strengthen their care skills in instrumental and knowledge aspects. Caregivers of patients on hemodialysis require greater preparation for their interpersonal relationship with the recipient of care.