Gerontological care process provided by gerontologists

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the study of the gerontological care process provided by gerontologists. Empirical data result from ethnographic observation of gerontologists’ work, in-depth interviews with gerontologists, and in-depth interviews with directors of institutions employing gerontologists. Data collection took place between September and December 2011 in institutions and with actors in the Bragança region, northeastern Portugal. The study revealed the existence of 16 practical tasks and 8 distinct professional attitudes performed by gerontologists. The findings show that gerontologists’ professional work is complex in terms of the abstract and empirical knowledge mobilized, is expressed through the combination of technical, relational, prudential and discursive skills, promotes confidence, self-efficacy and autonomy for both caregiver and care recipient, constitutes a reference for professional identity and culture, and is emancipatory, generating innovation and promoting excellence of care