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Informal support resources for vulnerable elderly persons: can they be counted on, why do they work?
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Vulnerable elderly persons often have resilient informal support systems. These networks facilitate knowledge transfer and responsive care, ensuring continued assistance for evolving needs.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Social Work
Background:
- Informal support systems are crucial for vulnerable elderly populations.
- Understanding the resiliency of these systems is vital for elder care planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the resiliency of informal support systems for vulnerable elderly individuals.
- To determine the existence, extent, and dependability of informal aid.
- To investigate the initiation of helping behaviors within these networks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of approximately 700 vulnerable elderly persons across diverse community settings.
- Examination of informal support system characteristics, including communication patterns and knowledge transfer.
Main Results:
- Vulnerable elderly persons generally possess informal support systems with active communication.
- These systems are characterized by the transmittal of knowledge, enabling responsive care.
- Network members actively interpret information and are prepared to address new needs.
Conclusions:
- Informal support systems are a dependable resource for vulnerable elderly individuals.
- Active communication and knowledge sharing are key to the resilience of these support networks.
- These findings have implications for generalizing elder care strategies across diverse populations.