Formas de organización del cuidado ejercido por cuidadores de personas con discapacidad : estudio de casos.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how caregivers of people with disabilities organize and distribute caregiving activities within the family and social context. Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model was used to analyze the information obtained and address the stated objectives. This research employs a qualitative approach, with a descriptive scope and applied level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of five caregivers of people with disabilities. Among the main findings, it is evident that caregiving falls primarily on women, who perform daily activities such as feeding, personal hygiene, accompanying caregivers to medical appointments, and administering medications. There is no evidence of a distribution of these activities due to factors such as the absence or lack of availability of family members, as well as misconceptions about caregiving as a female duty. The State's participation in providing access to state benefits, which partially covers the needs of people with disabilities, is seen as a formal support network; however, professional support for caregivers is lacking. Informal networks have been identified as the occasional support of family members, that is, as can be seen, the support networks are limited.