Conocimiento y expectativas de las personas mayores sobre los servicios sociales dirigidos a este colectivo en la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia / Knowledge and expectations among older adults of social services for the elderly in the Autonomous Region of Galicia (Spain)

ABSTRACT

Introduction: information and knowledge among the elderly on social services can contribute both to their access to these services, as well as to the elimination of myths and negative stereotypes pertaining to these services and their users. The aim of this study was to analyze knowledge of the social services availableto the elderly among older adults in the Autonomous Region of Galicia, as well as to identify their expectations of future use and the characteristics that they consider suitable to improve theirquality of life and obtain the most appropriate care.Material and methods: the items in the Social Services section of the «Needs and Requests of Users and Non-Users of Social Services for the Elderly Questionnaire» were analyzed and applied to a sample of 1,101 participants aged 60 years and older inthe Autonomous Region of Galicia.Results: knowledge of the available social services was generally limited among elderly individuals in Galicia. The best-known services were traditional services, such as nursing homes, and the main sources from which the elderly received information were family, friends and the media. Knowledge was mainly influencedby specific variables such as age, educational level, and habitat. Conclusions: information on social services to the elderly should be disseminated, especially among older adults with lower levels of education and those living in rural areas (AU)