Social well-being of the elderly in need of home care

Social care as an alternative for stationary social care for the lonely ones, disabled or elderly is provided by social workers. This service helps the elderly to solve a number of problems related to utilities and psychology as well as creates a precondition for those in need to extend their stay at home for as long as possible. The aim of this research is to find out the level of social being of the elderly and opportunities of improving the provided social care. The social being of the elderly in need of social help depends on the way the person feels in our society, how well his/her social contacts are developed, if there is anyone around in the position of extending any kind of help and the attitude of social workers towards senility in general. The object of the research is the attitude of the elderly towards their position in the society, their social environment as well as the attitude of social workers towards the communication with the elderly. The survey was based on the questionnaire on the basis of which 88 elderly respondents were asked about the social service they receive and 16 social workers employed in one neighbourhood. The research was completed in one of Vilnius neighbourhoods. The analysis of the survey showed that the majority of respondents look negatively upon the elderly and consequently upon their own position in the society. Judging from responses most respondents feel they are a burned to others, though they admit that the society should pay more attention to the problems the elderly are facing today. The majority of respondents reside alone, have poor social contacts and generally communicate only with the social worker, few of them communicate with neighbours or relatives. The survey showed that one fifth of respondents feel socially vulnerable and are in need of not only general help but moral assistance as well. The analysis showed that the elderly are greatly dependent on social workers, they are always welcome at home, are exceptionally trusted and discussed. Respondents found it very important that the social worker should live near by and on no account change often. It is quite obvious that social workers help to fill the communication gap, however they should be given an opportunity to undergo training of treating aging as a natural process of life, communicative specifics with the elderly, the healing power of the ability to listen, to understand and appreciate memories. On this basis social workers would gain a more appropriate qualification and be in the position of providing a qualified social service, while the elderly would enjoy higher standards of living