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Between Social Networks and Formal Social Services

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 November 2008

Howard Litwin  and
Gail K. Auslander
Howard Litwin
Affiliation:
Paul Baerwald School of Social Work, Hebrew University, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
Gail K. Auslander
Affiliation:
Paul Baerwald School of Social Work, Hebrew University, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Abstract

This article reports a study of the social networks of recent applicants to the social welfare bureaux of Jerusalem. Beyond review of the relevant study variables as reflected in the literature, and an overview of Israeli social services for the aged, the article addresses why the social networks of the elderly claimants turned to formal assistance. The study revealed that networks were most likely to be the source of referral to social services when the applicant was frail, and the presenting problem was the need for institutional care. Multivariate analysis revealed that the degree of network-initiated contact with the social worker was significantly related to these same factors. Networks of the elderly seemed to turn to formal social services as a substitute for their own caregiving, rather than as a source for interweaving informal and formal care. The implications of the findings for social service policy are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 8 , Issue 3 , September 1988 , pp. 269 - 285
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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References

NOTES

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29 Since these data were collected, there have been some changes in the service delivery system, particularly with regard to home health care. The system described here is that which was in place at the time the study was carried out.

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On the other hand, a separate study of Jerusalem social workers found them to be highly aware of the social networks of their elderly clients. (Litwin, H. and Auslander, G. K. ‘Practitioners’ Perceptions of Interweaving Formal and Informal Care Systems', unpublished report.)Google Scholar

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