Social work and intervention with older people in Portugal: a critical point of view

Figures & data

Figure 1. The road map of social security in Portugal.

Table 1. Macro level: social security and social work (citizenship subsystem).

Social security system—citizenship subsystem and social work
(1) Solidarity subsystem	Social work intervention within the solidarity subsystem
It ensures, based on the solidarity of the whole community, rights that are essential to prevent and eradicate poverty and social exclusion, and provides access to benefits in cases of proven individual or family need which are not included in the Welfare Subsystem. It provides support in the absence or insufficiency of economic resources, to individuals and families in order to meet basic needs and to promote their gradual social and professional inclusion. It also provides support in situations of invalidity, old age and death. Furthermore, it provides support for individuals with low work incomes. Lastly, it provides support in case of failure of supply of substitute work or income of the beneficiary's contribution career.	Social pensions—in cases of proven economic deprivation of citizens aged 65 and over which are not entitled to a state pension based on their working contributions. Additional Solidarity Income (CSI, Complemento Solidário para Idosos)—for citizens aged 65 and over who have incomes below the minimum established by the state. Social Integration Income (RSI, Rendimento Social de Inserção)—for citizens aged 65 and over who are not entitled to an old age pension and live in extreme poverty. It also includes an individual care plan which is developed between the social worker and the older person.
(2) Social action subsystem	Social work within the social action subsystem
Main objectives: Preventative work and intervention in cases of social and economic deprivation, dependence, dysfunctionality, vulnerability or social exclusion; Social inclusion and development of citizen's skills and competencies within their communities; Social protection of children and young people, disabled people, older people, as well as other citizens living in economic or social hardship The Social Action Subsystem must be integrated with other state social policies, as well as strictly linked to the intervention of non-profit organisations (article no. 29). Access to social facilities and resources and other programmes to face poverty, dysfunction and social exclusion; access to one-off cash benefits under exceptional circumstances (article no. 30).	Practitioners have multiple duties and responsibilities, such as: Coordination of local Social Services Direct intervention and case management of individual cases; Coordination of specific projects to eliminate poverty and social exclusion; Consultancy, supervision and inspection of non-profit organisations in order to promote quality of services and resources. Part of the team of professionals integrated in the Social Network Programmes at local and community level.

Table 2. Meso level: local authorities and social work.

Local authorities' level
(1) Social services	Social work intervention within social services
Promoting the well-being and quality of life of older people. Partnership with public, private and non-profit organisations. Implementation of gerontological plans.	Coordination and supervision of services and resources. Implementation of projects to promote active ageing of older people on issues such as health, education and well-being. Participation in the Social Network Programme, which involves a variety of services and organisations and multidisciplinary teams. Coordination of day-care centres and community projects for older people.
(2) Housing	Social work intervention within housing
Improvement of housing conditions for the elderly. Provision of social housing.	Intervening towards better housing conditions for older people: Promoting access to social housing. Making public and private (older people's houses) spaces more ‘older-person friendly’.

Table 3. Micro level: Non profit organisations and social work.

Non profit organisations' level
(1) Social facilities	Social work intervention within social facilities
Management of social facilities for older people. Management of services and resources for older people, such as day care centres, domiciliary care services and residential care. Implementation of preventative programmes and projects against loneliness and social isolation of older people.	Management and coordination of services and resources for older people. Coordination of services and multidisciplinary teams. Direct intervention with older people and their families. Direct intervention—individual case management of older people in need and or at risk that live in the community. Part of the professional team integrated in multi-services and multi-organisations resources for older people.
(2) Long-term care	Social work intervention within long-term care
Management of long-term care facilities for the elderly. Planning an older person's care when leaving residential or nursing services—towards integration in the community.	Part of the multidisciplinary team responsible for planning an older person's care when leaving residential or nursing services. Responsible for carrying out community care assessments of older people in need and their families. Direct intervention in the community. Coordination of long-term care facilities for the elderly.