ABSTRACT

We have seen in the previous chapter that community volunteers and elderly care

recipients emphasized the social meanings of social welfare activities rather than

their practical utility. At the same time, many hoped that social activities might

lead to the creation of effective eldercare community networks. The state has

encouraged the idea that community volunteers should be able to supplement, or

if necessary, replace family caregivers by helping neighborhood elderly with

daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and visiting the hospital.

The National Social Welfare Association suggests the following scenario: