From care in the home to the transformation of other care environments in homes

Abstract

When an old person is in a situation of vulnerability, he or she seeks the support of closer and more solid interpersonal relations. Studies taking either the patients’ perspective or that of health sciences show that the patient’s home becomes the first choice. Body and mind, we are told, need rest and repair in an atmosphere that is comforting and allows us to recognise ourselves. But when being cared for at home becomes impossible or undesirable, either because of the lack of resources or because of the state of the dependent person, how do we make up for the shortcomings that the alternative solution – residential care – shows in terms of closeness, affection, and personalisation? The answer to this question is articulated. To address it, in this chapter we first discuss the main concepts involved; second, we analyse the characteristics of care within the family; finally, we present different initiatives that have been implemented in the health care and residential care sectors in Spain that show some of the traits described in the previous section. In the conclusion, we sketch out a strategy to provide these and similar actions with a stronger basis for them to develop.