Reference framework for the care and support model in Gipuzkoa based on standards

In recent years, various institutions have been developing strategies, plans, and tools aimed at transforming care models, with a special emphasis on long-term support and care. There is a consensus, both at the European and national levels, supported by evidence and results obtained in different countries, on the need to promote and develop practices based on a focus on rights and respect for human dignity, which take into account the uniqueness of individuals, respect their self-determination in terms of what their life and care should be, and are geared towards achieving results in terms of improving well-being and quality of life.

The “Reference Framework for the Standards-based Care and Support Model” is the result of a process of analysis, comparison, and consensus-building that has included experts by experience, direct care professionals, service management professionals, and technical staff from the Department of Care and Social Policies of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa.

It provides a proposed quality reference framework based on twenty people-centered standards which, using common criteria, aim to guide support and practices.

The standards are based on a series of assessable criteria that enable the evaluation of residential services for older people in terms of the results and impacts derived from the practices and support offered.

The model provides methodological criteria for conducting both self-assessments and external evaluations, with the aim of identifying lessons learned and areas for improvement in terms of the degree of approximation and development towards greater personalization of care in this type of service.

The development of the proposal has been promoted by the Comprehensive Center Management Service of the DFG's Department of Care and Social Policies in collaboration with Matia Fundazioa.