Aider les aidants : quel espace pour l’innovation sociale dans le soutien aux proches aidants en région?

Abstract

In this article, we examine local initiatives and actions aimed at reducing individual, collective (specific groups, such as women) and territorial inequalities resulting from the role of caregiver. Included are the results of a qualitative study carried out in Quebec in 2015 with elderly people caregivers working full-time, as well as with professionals providing them services. More specifically there are observations on how different actors (health institutions, associations, regional county municipalities, etc.) try to implement and maintain services for caregivers, and how these services and initiatives can affect the daily lives of caregivers by allowing them firstly to identify themselves as caregivers and then by influencing their paths and experiences in balancing work, family and care.