Reconfiguração do serviço de apoio domiciliário aos idosos face às transformações no seio familiar

: estudo de caso nas Misericórdias de Braga e Amares

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is on the reconfiguration of Home Support Service (HSS) for the elderly triggered by changes in the household, through the case of the Misericordia of Braga and Amares. In particular, the main objective is to reflect on the changes in HSS for the elderly given the current transformations occurring within the family. To this end, two principal factors, namely, a biopsychosocial perspective and demographic aging should be considered. Using this strategy, the definition, the evolution and transformations of family have been analysed. Furthermore, by reflecting on the structural evolution of policies and social responses, the concepts that underlie HSS could be explored in-depth. The results highlighted that in urban areas HSS has a replacement function in family care provision, while in rural areas it rather assumes a complementary role to the basic activities and means of daily life, due to a traditionally stronger presence of the family. The findings indicated the need to strengthen the network among elderly, family and HSS, following a combined strategy of prevention, education and rehabilitation, centred around a more personalised social care provision reinforcing the role of institutions in the community and calls for coordination between different areas such as social and health area.

Date of Award	18 Jun 2014
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Manuel Antunes da Cunha (Supervisor)