[Conceptualization of institutional elderly caregiver in Colombia].

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.