Home care and digital platforms in Spain

Abstract

The introduction of the Ley de Promoción de la Autonomía Personal y Atención a las Personas en Situación de Dependencia, LAPAD (Promotion of the Autonomy and Care of People in a Situation of Dependency Law, LAPAD) in 2006 represented a major step forward with its universal recognition of the right to care. However, cuts in funding in subsequent years have severely limited the law's potential, and the gap between demand and services offered continues to widen. This means today, the care of the elderly and dependent continues to be a responsibility largely borne by women in the family. They either have to employ someone else (another woman, often foreign) to do the job or do it themselves.