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Sources of Instrumental Support for Dependent Elderly People in Three Parts of France

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 November 2008

S. Curtis ,
D. Bucquet  and
A. Colvezt
S. Curtis
Affiliation:
Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, Mile End Road, London El 4NS.
D. Bucquet
Affiliation:
Institut National de la Santé et Recherche Médicale, Montpellier, France.
A. Colvezt
Affiliation:
Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, Mile End Road, London El 4NS.
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Abstract

The paper focuses on the provision of instrumental support provided to dependent elderly people in France, presenting information collected in social surveys conducted in three regions of the country. This information is considered in the light of the results of studies from other countries on instrumental social support to the dependent elderly which are reviewed. The data analysed included measures of the potential social network of the respondent based on household composition, marital status, number of living children and frequency of visits by family, friends and neighbours. Measures of instrumental support received were based on reported need for help for specific tasks, and the main source of help provided. The results reported here suggest that not all members of the dependent elderly person's social network were equally involved in providing instrumental help and supports a hierarchical model of the informal care structure with family members as the predominant source of help. The results also demonstrate the comparatively small role played by the formal caring services compared with the informal sector. The context of care for dependent elderly people in France is discussed and the implications of these results for social policy are considered.

Type
Research Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 12 , Issue 3 , September 1992 , pp. 329 - 354
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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