RT info:eu-repo/semantics/doctoralThesis
T1 Hacia una nueva generación de cuidados: contribuciones desde el Trabajo Social en la atención domiciliaria de personas mayores.
A1 Elices Acero, Álvaro
A2 Universidad de Valladolid. Escuela de Doctorado
K1 Personas mayores
K1 Long-term care
K1 Cuidados de larga duración
K1 Older adults
K1 Personas mayores
K1 Social work
K1 Trabajo social
K1 Personal assistance
K1 Asistencia personal
K1 5309.08 Trabajo Social y Servicios Sociales
AB Long-term care for older adults is currently undergoing a transformation as a result of, on the one hand, the increase in the volume of care needs linked to population aging and, on the other hand, the necessary reconfiguration of the systems responsible for its coverage in the face of the reduced capacity of primary social networks to provide support, the cultural process of socialization of care and the progressive recognition of the right of people to remain in their homes and communities. This situation has prompted the emergence of political strategies aimed at developing new models of comprehensive care that is integrated in the usual environment and centered on the person, so the social dimension of care and the responsible professionals have acquired great relevance.The study object of this doctoral thesis is social intervention and the role of Social Work in the new care models for older adults living in rural areas. This thesis employed several different approaches, methods and research techniques. First, a literature review, secondary data analysis, policy analysis and bibliometric analysis were carried out to establish a theoretical, conceptual and political approach. Second, to empirically analyze the relevance of social intervention and the professional practice of Social Work and Personal Assistance, a systematic review protocol was applied and a mixed-methods research process was developed through surveys, interviews and focus groups. This research endeavor led to the creation of a theoretical framework that analyzes the concept of long-term care, the recent demographic, socio-familial and cultural transformations and the characterization of new models of care. It also facilitated an analysis from a theoretical perspective of the specificity of care in rural areas and several innovative projects in this context, to measure the scientific production on the subject and to identify the main and most recent political developments.The empirical research produced evidence that has been disseminated through three publications. The first of these identifies, through a systematic review of the international literature, the main roles of Social Work professionals in care services, such as case management, direct support and personalization of care. The other two publications present two case studies on the intervention of Social Work in a pilot project designed to facilitate the permanence of older adults in their homes (A Gusto en Mi Casa), and the role of Personal Assistance both in this and in another pilot project for the provision of end-of-life care (INTecum). Both studies reaffirm the importance of social intervention in the new care strategies aimed at preventing institutionalization and facilitating the development of people’s life projects, also identifying its main limitations and proposals for improvement. Regarding Social Work, the results suggest the need to promote community interventions, to optimize interprofessional coordination processes and to transform the work organization to facilitate personalized care. In terms of Personal Assistance, the findings indicate the great potential of this approach in this area but also identify several limitations, such as the lack of clarity of its functions or the risk of emotional fatigue, suggesting specific actions such as providing adequate information to the population about the role of Personal Assistance and its complete legal and labor regulation.
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/75899
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/75899
LA spa
NO Escuela de Doctorado
DS UVaDOC
RD 18-jul-2025