Provisión de cuidados a personas mayores dependientes en los entornos rurales en España

Abstract

The aim of this study, carried out following qualitative research techniques –semi-structured interviews to dependant people, trained and un-trained caregivers, and public, private and third-sector employees in Castilla y León– is to analyse the similarities and differences that exist among the several discursive stances regarding how care services are provided to elderly dependants in terms of their place of residence. The results show that the lack or inadequacy of formal means in rural regions give place to situations that highlight the importance of caregiving by family members to dependant elderly people. Likewise, the traditional informal system of caregiving is considered to be debilitated in rural areas due to the ageing process, migration from rural to urban areas, as well as social, family and cultural transformations that have been taking place since the latter part of the 20th century.