Personal assistance as a new citizens’ right: seen from the health professionals’ sphere

Abstract

Objective: The main objective of this research is to familiarize ourselves with the figure of the personal assistant for disabled people. It also seeks to reveal the importance of professionalized care and accompaniment compared with family care. Methods: Joint research consisting of the review of official databases, as well as the performance of semi-structured interviews with 11 professional nurses belonging to the Public Health Service of Galicia (Spain). Results: The results suggest that the figure of the personal assistant is still not predominant in the provision of services for people with disabilities. The interviewed nursing staff considered that the functions of personal assistance should be clearly professionalized due to their specific characteristics. Conclusions: The results of this study constitute a framework for reflection on intervention and support for people with disabilities. No doubt, interdisciplinary work is necessary within a joint approach of professionals with health and social training.

Keywords

• personas con discapacidad
• familia
• enfermería
• actividades de la vida diaria