Examining marginalisation in elderly care service
The CARMA project has set out to improve the well being of the increasing elderly population in Europe. It has done so by gathering various resources. The information is from academic research institutions, social service providers and educational institutions. Current social care services for the elderly were examined from various angles. A conference was held in Graz in April 2005 with approximately 81 participants, consisting mainly of practitioners of social work with the elderly and senior care workers. The theme of the conference was dealing with social exclusion of the elderly. Keynote speakers and workshop leaders devised a draft version of a report. The study particularly explores clients that are marginalised, also known as deviant cases. Deviance is described as the behaviour or condition of the client which can prevent admission, lead to discharge or cause friction in providing service. Studying deviant cases of users brought to light the preconditions which a client is required to meet in order to receive the appropriate service and support. Furthermore, pinpointing the appearance of friction or the exclusion of a particular type of client allowed the marginalisation process to be uncovered. Finally, the way in which the exclusion process may affect elderly who are more vulnerable due to poor health and/or lack of economic, social or cultural resources was examined.
