Abstract

Objective: This work analyzes the transformations of formal and informal care in rural territories in Spain and Chile. Method: We describe the results of two qualitative studies that carried out interviews in two rural areas. The interviews addressed the characteristics of the formal and informal care received by older adults. The data is discussed in the light of research on care crises, the support generation and older caregiver women, from the perspective of rural territories. Results: on one hand, identify the presence of male caregivers, the extended family, and neighborhood-community networks in the provision of informal care. We discuss the need to consider the socio-cultural particularities of rural territories in the design of formal care services. We recommend the strengthening of ties of such services with family groups and local communities.