Care Provision for Older People

The project is developed as part of the Social Work degree of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Catholic University of Portugal, in its campus in Braga. The initiative focuses on services provided by the students to the population aged 65 and above, in collaboration with the Social Center of Irmandade of S. Torcato, where there is a home for the elderly and a Day Center. Students can put their knowledge into practice when facing the multiple challenges regarding elderly individuals in vulnerable communities. In addition, the elderly benefit from the student’s attention, care and company. These meetings provided a space for to share experiences and knowledge, enriching the collective understanding of the needs and challenges faced.

 

From: 2022 (September)

Continues

 

Context. In the region of S. Torcato valley, according to the 2021 Census, the population aged 65 and above has increased by 34.7% compared to 2011. This region is characterized by social isolation and limited social and health support networks. Additionally, it has been registered a significant presence of neurocognitive disorders and dementia among the elderly population of the municipality, with a lack of community-based social responses directed at both users and caregivers.

 

Solidarity action: To address these pressing needs by providing social support and services to the elderly population, enhancing their quality of life, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Learning: Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to address the multifaceted challenges of aging populations, preparing them for effective and compassionate social work practice in contemporary society. The learning objectives of the experience also include deepening theoretical and ethical-political competencies to critically analyze social issues within a globalized world and their implications for social work practice.

 

Direct beneficiaries of the solidarity action: Vulnerable populations with situations of abandonment, and domestic, physical, and financial violence, lack of adequate housing conditions, such as insalubrity, and low levels of education. The direct beneficiaries are 55 senior citizens (+65 years old) and the indirect, 180.

 

Type of service: Mixed/hybrid form

 

Main activities carried out by students: Through home visits to the social center users and individual consultations, dynamics were adapted to their needs of the elderly.  In this sense, students participated in various solidarity actions, including delivering clothes and goods to needy users.

 

Number of weekly hours that students dedicate to the project: 4 hours per week during 7 weeks.

 

Mandatory nature: It’s mandatory for some students but optional for others

 

A. Students: They developed empathy and communication skills, as well as heightening awareness of the complex realities of aging and civic engagement.

B. Community: Thanks to the project, the institution has programmed more initiatives for its elderly, allowing intergenerational socializing and innovative and different activities. Additionally, intentions for new partnerships with the institution were stated, particularly hosting internships for the bachelor’s degree programme in Social Work.