ABSTRACT
Due to the increase in population longevity, increased demand for formal caregivers and the need to legally protect the caregiver profession in Brazil, question themselves the skills required of the caregiver. The objective of this article was to investigate the application of legal provisions for working caregivers in long term care facilities (ILPIs), identifying the competencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) caregiver. The study enrolled 10 caregivers from Rio Grande do Sul state, which answered a questionnaire regarding the sociodemographic profile and the function of care itself. Results indicated that the majority of professionals are women, with ages, education and training consistent with the precepts advocated by the legislation, which is still in discussion. Among the main functions performed, the care with hygiene, feeding and commute were predominant. Formal education for the work with the elderly was highlighted as the main competency necessary for professional placement. The approval and implementation of the legal provisions for elderly caregivers is an urgent and necessary action to be taken, and serves as a means of protecting the worker and to improve the quality of the services provided.
job market; caregiver profession; legislation; innovative professions
