THE SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS OF LOW INCOME SINGLE ELDERLY

Abstract

The following is an informational and descriptive study of the social support networks of low income elderly persons staying alone or with a non-relative in Tanjong Pagar GRC. A comparison is made between two groups of such elderly, with one group consisting of 30 recipients of Public Assistance and another consisting of 30 non Public Assistance recipients. The aim is to provide an understanding of the social support networks of this group of low income aged in order to better inform social work interventions. More specifically, the potential benfits of informal social support can then be garnered, as encouraged by the local government. This research focuses on the differences in functional and structural characteristics of social support received by the two groups of elderly, with the emphasis on the types, forms and sources of support. It is hoped that information obtained about the control group of non Public Assistance can guide the development of recommendations for interventions with elderly who are in danger of falling into destitution. Face to face interviews were carried out with 60 elderly respondents. It was found that there are indeed structural and functional differences between the two groups of elderly. Public Assistance recipients have heavier reliance on formal sources of social support and have a smaller network base from which to draw resources and social support in times of need. Conclusions are drawn based on the findings obtained and recommendations.