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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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The roles and functions of the informal support networks of older people who receive formal support
— a Swedish qualitative study | | Author(s) | Anna Dunér, Monica Nordström |
| Journal title | Ageing and Society, vol 27, part 1, January 2007 |
| Pages | pp 67-86 |
| Source | http://www.journals.cambridge.org/jid_ASO |
| Keywords | Informal care ; Social roles ; Services ; Usage [services] ; Sweden. |
| Annotation | Several studies of frail older people have focused on the relationship between formal and informal care, whilst others have examined the character of intergenerational relationships. Yet knowledge of the significance of the informal support networks of older people who receive formal care is still scarce. The aim of this paper was to explore how older Swedes who receive formal elder-care experienced their informal support networks. The findings presented emanate from a qualitative case study. The structural, interaction and functional dimensions of the support networks were the main analytical tools. In the study population, the size of the formal support network varied from one to 12 people (or categories of people), and the size of the informal support network varied from one to six people (or categories of people). The main results demonstrate the importance of informal support with reciprocal relationships, and the value of confidants and emotional support, both of which contribute to feelings of belonging, security and well-being. A well-functioning formal and informal support network allows individuals to maintain autonomy in old age, even when they have to depend on help from others. (KJ/RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-070104204 A |
| Classmark | P6: TM5: I: QLD: 76P |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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