Estereotipos en cuidadores formales de personas mayores institucionalizadas en establecimientos de Montevideo, Uruguay

Objective: To describe the socio-occupational profile of formal caregivers and the level of negative stereotypes about the old age of these caregivers in Montevideo. Methodology: 213 formal caregivers belonging to 80 ELEPEM of Montevideo were contacted, to whom a questionnaire of socio-labor data and the Questionnaire of negative stereotypes on the old age of Sánchez (2004) were applied. Results: 95.3% are women, average 40 years old, 50.3% with a partner and 65.3% with dependent children. 55.4% did not access specific training. High or very high levels of stereotypes were found in 68.8% for the total test, 76.3% for the health subfactor, 59.2% for social-motivation and 84.8% for personality character. Conclusions: The high presence of stereotypes has the potential to generate a poorer quality of care, perpetuating paternalistic and infantilizing behaviors and attitudes that limit the full exercise of users’ rights. It is necessary to deepen professional training and denature daily care practices that could be perpetuating stereotypes.