Social representations of immigration, care and elderly caregivers

Resum

Ageing in Spain has increased considerably and these elderly people often find themselves in a situation of great dependence and face this situation many have had the support of caregivers immigrants from Latin America. This research had its purpose to know the social representations (SR) of these caregivers, living in Valencia (Spain), about immigration, care and elderly care. Participated 35 immigrants who responded the Word Association Test and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The results revealed that the SR on immigration reflect the "nostalgia," the care was represented by the "help" and care for the elderly "respect." It is concluded that the SR allow better understanding the symbolic, affective and cognitive immigrants’ activities in their process of social interaction. It is hoped that these findings will contribute to studies of migration at the international level, promoting positive change for these groups.