O serviço social nas juntas de freguesia de Lisboa e a integração de pessoas idosas na comunidade

Abstract

This master's thesis is about the practices of social workers in parish councils in the city of Lisbon, highlighting their contribution to promoting the integration and well-being of older people in the community. Set in the context of local authorities in Portugal, defined by the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic and shaped by a framework of decentralisation of competences, this research focuses on the work of social workers as facilitators of local social responses, which are fundamental to mitigating situations of social vulnerability, promoting inclusion and guaranteeing access to rights. Against a backdrop of a growing ageing population, in which people aged 65 and over represent a significant proportion of the Portuguese population, parish councils face the challenge of developing policies and initiatives that promote active ageing and quality of life for the elderly. In this context, social workers play a central role, intervening in the design, implementation and evaluation of social programmes aimed at the community integration of the elderly. This master's thesis analyses the practices of these professionals, as well as their articulation with the local social support network and national policies, in the creation of environments favourable to Ageing in Place. This study used a qualitative research methodology, including, as a data collection technique, semi-structured interviews with social workers who intervene in Lisbon parish councils, allowing us to delve deeper into the strategies and challenges faced in implementing projects for the elderly population. Analysing and interpreting the data revealed the importance of integrated and coordinated social intervention that values local specificities and effectively promotes the autonomy and inclusion of older people in the community.

Date of Award	6 Mar 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Isabel Vieira (Supervisor)