An analysis of the role of communities in care systems co-created with older people

ABSTRACT

The aim of this article is to present the main findings on the role of communities in care provision obtained during a community co-creation process which took place in a neighborhood of the city of Donostia/San Sebastián (Spain). The article is divided into four sections. We first introduce the co-creation concept and its potential as a political strategy. Secondly, we briefly describe the project, its objectives, and the methodology followed. Thirdly, we analyse the main findings obtained from the process and, finally, we discuss the process of co-creation developed by communities and their role in the care of older people.

KEYWORDS:

• Co-creation
• care
• community
• public administration
• older people

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Basque Institute of Statistics.

2. Information obtained from the data base of the City Council.

3. It is worth clarifying that due to the organization of the Spanish and Basque institutional framework, the competencies in the provision of care services to the older people rely mainly on the provincial government, and to a lesser extent on the local authorities.

4. Association for the promotion of social technology.

5. Association promoting citizen participation and the creation of dialogue-based spaces.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Martin Zuniga

Martin Zuniga is Social Work Graduate and MA in Social Research, Consultory and Innovation, at Deusto University. PhD candidate in the ‘Deusto Social Values’ team and fellow of the Basque Government´s PhD training program.

Eva Salaberria

Eva Salaberria is the coordinator for the age friendly strategy of the Donostia/San Sebastian city Council. Graduate in Spanish and Basque History, has a broad experience in public management having occupied senior positions in different areas at the City council of Donostia/San Sebastian.

Felix Arrieta

Felix Arrieta is PhD in Political Science. His research fields are related with public policy and social care areas. He’s lecturer at Deusto University and member of the ‘Deusto Social Values’ team.