A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CARE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELDERLY SICK FAMILY MEMBERS

Abstract

Singapore is the fastest aging population in the world, with the number of aged projected to rise to more than a quarter of the population in 2030. With it comes a rise in the number of elderly sick. This study examines the care arrangements made for elderly sick family members. It compares families who have chosen non-institutional care for their sick ciders with those who have chosen institutional care. The aim is to find out whether differences exist, what these differences are and how they impact on the care arrangement decided upon. Findings indicate that the families differ on the quality of the relationships experienced in the family network, with families opting for non-institutional care experiencing better quality relationships. This consequently affects the pool of caregivers willing to take care of the elder and the amount of stress experienced by the caregiver. Recommendations for future services to be provided and policy changes, together with consequent implications for social work, are discussed.