Authors

Isabel Mª Pérez Ruiz

Position

Enfermera, Psicóloga. Profesora Asociada del Departamento de Enfermería de la Universidad de Almería

Contact address

Departamento de Enfermería. Edificio central Despacho 2.14. Universidad de Almería. Crtra. Sacramento s/n. La Cañada de San Urban

Contact email: isaperez@ual.es

Abstract

In Spain, the care of Dependent People (DP) is performed primarily by family members that become Main Caretakers (MCT) making up an informal support network.
The purpose of this study was to relate sex and gender typology with the sociodemographic and work-related characteristics of the MCT.
A transversal study was conducted and a home visit paid to 47 MCTs of DP in the town of La Cañada de San Urbano and El Alquian (Almeria).
Results: There is a higher percentage of women MCT than men MCT. These MCT are between 45 and 54 years of age, they have a low education level and a worst convivential, work-related and economic situation. They assume responsibility and individually perform more domestic activities, they spend more time with and look after many of the needs of the DPs. MCTs administer a variety of care. Men and women alike had a previous good relationship with the DP, have been taking care of the DP for less than ten years, have similar motivations (moral obligation) and have a positive input from looking after the DP (improvement of the DP quality of life).
Typically feminine features or traits do not appear to have anything to do with the ability to be a MCT, to look after the needs of the DP or to administer care.
The work of a MCT can be valued for the time spent, for the responsibility, variety, and amount of non remunerated activities (domestic tasks, caretaker role).

Keywords:

main caretaker; dependent people; Gender; informal support; social characteristics; main caretaker; dependent people; Gender; informal support; social characteristics; main caretaker; dependent people; Gender; informal support; social characteristics

Versión en Español

Título:

Características sociodemográficas y sociolaborales de las Personas Cuidadoras Principales (PCP) de Personas Dependientes (PD)