[Dependency policies. Consequences for affected families]

Dependency creates a social problem whose burden falls upon the affected family and which causes problems in the lives and health of caretakers. A solution to these problems depends on the policies enacted. Nurses should know these policies and their consequences and act accordingly. For nurses to do so, the author has carried out a qualitative documented research project which analyzes the main Spanish dependency policies including the Geriatrics Plan and the following laws: regarding situations requiring living together and mutual aid, conciliation of working and personal lives, family caretaking for elderly and dependent relatives. This project's results indicate the aid provided consists in monetary loans and social services. The coverage provided by these aid programs is minimal or scarce. These programs promote keeping patients in need of dependency care in their homes under the care of relatives. There is little aid directed at caretakers and frequently such aid implies high personal costs. Nurses can and should contribute to bring awareness of these situations, to alleviate them and to modify some of these problems.