Informal care, often provided by family and close relations, is fundamental for the elderly or dependent individuals. However, the demands of this role can impact the physical and emotional health of the caregiver. In response, Professor María Antonia Parra from the UMH's Department of Health Psychology suggests a model that jointly addresses the needs of both the caregiver and the care recipient, aiming to bolster their personal resources.
The research, titled "Towards a New Model of Care: Resilience and Strengths in the Caregiver-Care Recipient Dyad, with Attention to the Female Caregiver," was presented at the XVIII Lares Congress Committed to Care in Girona. This approach recognizes that well-being and quality of life are interconnected, making it essential to attend to both parties.
This reality particularly affects women, who frequently undertake a significant portion of unpaid care tasks. María Antonia Parra Rizo's proposal seeks to broaden the perspective, reducing overload and stress while also identifying and strengthening the psychological, social, and physical resources that aid in facing difficulties.
The core idea is that "caring also means caring for the caregiver." Therefore, the proposal considers the circumstances, strengths, and support networks of those accompanying dependent individuals. The caregiver-care recipient dyad is viewed as an intervention unit, as their emotions, communication, and strategies mutually influence each other.
This model complements individual care, striving for healthier care relationships that preserve dignity, autonomy, and well-being. It incorporates variables such as resilience, personal strengths, emotional regulation, optimism, guilt management, and a sense of purpose, alongside social support and coping strategies.
Support networks play a crucial role in preventing isolation and facilitating the sharing of responsibilities. The proposal also addresses psychophysical health aspects, including mobility and the prevention of musculoskeletal discomfort. This combination of psychological, physical, and social resources aims not only to alleviate distress but also to promote overall well-being.
Attention to female caregivers is a central element, as prolonged care responsibilities can limit their self-care, work-life balance, and social engagement. María Antonia Parra Rizo's research acknowledges their capabilities without placing the entire burden of overcoming challenges upon them. It encourages a broader perspective on dependency, well-being, and quality of life, ensuring the sustainability of care.
