Professional work of the gerontologists: a methodological approach
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This paper aims to contribute to the discussion of the professional work of the gerontologists. Gerontologists are professionals with a university degree in gerontology, specialized in the care of the elderly.
This study is part of a study funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Portugal, dedicated to the graduates professional work of social sciences and humanities who work in the social third sector organizations. This research has a mixed character between conventional research and participatory research. The gerontologists and employers of gerontologists actively participated in the definition and redefinition research techniques and the interpretation and analysis of results. Empirical data derived from: (1) ethnographic observation (12 non-consecutive days of work that took place in a month, or about 96 hours of observation) with a gerontologist, whose main objective is to study the interactions of the context of professional gerontologist working in an institution for the elderly, (2) to four interviews with two gerontologists on individual perception on aging issues, workplace and career (3) interviews with five managers employers gerontologists on these skills.
The study revealed the existence of sixteen different practical tasks performed by gerontologists. We also identified eight professional attitudes that are important in carrying out the practical tasks. We found that those tasks are complex because they mobilize abstract knowledge and empirical knowledge and require a combination of principles, competencies and attitudes. The professional work of the gerontologist promotes the confidence, self-efficacy and autonomy of the caregiver and the carried person. It leads also to the emancipation because it promotes innovation and excellence in care for the elderly and their families.
Keywords: professional work, professional knowledge, professionalism, gerontological care.
