Itinerarios para el cuidado del cuidador/a familiar

"<< Background >>We applied for the ""Te Cuidamos"" project to address the needs of family caregivers and dependent people affected by rare diseases, disabilities and chronic illnesses. This project responded to challenges such as the physical and emotional overload of caregivers, who assume their role without training or support, which generates chronic stress, health problems and isolation.In addition, it sought to improve social inclusion and the quality of life of dependent people, promoting equal opportunities and reducing discrimination. The lack of international collaboration networks, necessary to implement innovative solutions, was also identified. Therefore, the project included the creation of a transnational network, training itineraries for caregivers, therapies such as music therapy, reflexology and art therapy, and awareness-raising activities to promote social change.<< Objectives >>By implementing the project, we hoped to improve the quality of life of family caregivers and people affected by rare diseases, disabilities and chronic illnesses. This included strengthening the physical, emotional and social competencies of caregivers through adapted training pathways, as well as providing them with tools and methodologies to effectively manage the challenges of their role. We also sought to promote social inclusion and equal opportunities for those affected, reducing discrimination and increasing their active participation in society.Furthermore, we hoped to raise awareness among the general population, as well as public and private authorities, about the difficulties faced by caregivers and dependent people, generating a change in their perception and in policies related to this group. Another key objective was to promote transnational cooperation for the exchange of good practices and the creation of a collaboration network that would guarantee the sustainability of the project results over time. The ultimate purpose was to transform the realities of the recipients with innovative interventions focused on their needs.<< Implementation >>Key activities were implemented such as initial and final coordination meetings in Bulgaria and Spain, where partnership agreements, the action plan, communication strategies, exchange of results obtained, agreements on strategic modifications, exchange of receipts and unification of criteria were established. Pilot workshops were carried out in hospitals and health centers in Spain and Bulgaria, including therapies such as music therapy, art therapy and reflexology, focused on the well-being of caregivers and dependent people. The Llamada Solidaria Foundation managed to sign a collaboration agreement with the Fundación de Alcorcón University Hospital that ensures the continuity of the project, its execution currently continuing.Methodologies were also developed for training itineraries, collected in a guide, aimed at improving the skills of caregivers. In addition, awareness-raising materials were created, such as a website and social networks, to make the project visible. Coordination was managed through virtual meetings and collaborative tools, ensuring compliance with the schedule.<< Results >>The ""Te Cuidamos"" project achieved significant results in the therapeutic, organizational and social awareness fields. Training itineraries were developed that strengthened the skills of caregivers and therapies such as music therapy, art therapy and reflexology were implemented, benefiting 60 patients in Bulgaria (with 340 interventions) and more than 64 users in Spain, where 60 group sessions and 540 individual sessions were carried out. .At an organizational level, a transnational network was established with Bulgaria and an agreement with the Fundación Alcorcón University Hospital, which allowed the project to be extended beyond its official completion. It was also presented at the Congress of the Nephrology Nursing Society and its publication in a scientific journal is being prepared, promoting its replicability in other hospitals.To raise awareness, a public itinerary guide, a website, social networks and press releases were created, making the role of caregivers visible and promoting social inclusion. The project remains active in Spain with additional financing, consolidating itself as a sustainable and transferable model."