Objective

To conceptualize institutional elderly caregiver in Colombia as formal caregivers.

Methods

A documentary review was carried out using a qualitative and descriptive approach, in order to analyze the work of institutional caregivers based on two dimensions: the internal dimension to realize their reality according to the study entitled "Institutional Caregiver: characterization, current situation and support networks - Colombia 2013", and the external dimension to recognize the perspective of the State and the academy on the issue.

Results

It was possible to see that, although Colombia has made progress on regulation matters, the country has not yet fully developed a care system for the elderly that articulates actors and responsibilities of care providers (individuals, families, civil society and the State).

Conclusions

Elements are provided to understand institutional care and establish specific care training, the formal link between a care delivery institution and the surveillance-control scheme to conceptualize institutional elderly caregivers in Colombia as formal caregivers and thus fulfill some State and society goals.