This Master's thesis includes some key theoretical definitions of elderly care within a community, different characterizations of a project Starejši za starejše, voluntary work (and voluntary work with elderly) as well as gerontological social work. Those various definitions present a starting point for the research in the empirical part of the thesis, where the process of working with the elderly within the project Starejši za starejše is presented, together with some advantages and disadvantages and additional suggestions for further work in this project and its improvement.
The core of my research gives an insight into practical experience of working in the project Starejši za starejše in municipalities Vrhnika and Logatec.
Mostly women, who have been previously invited, partake in this project. Some have been active for a number of years; most have joined due to their need and desire to connect with people and help others. Their work is previously planned, but the actual execution of work gives them some freedom. Preparations and support are ensured by the organization in the form of practical training, courses and conversational meetings. However, also volunteers have many ways of ensuring that their work is quality. Visits of elderly are either individual or in pairs, they are both announced and unannounced. Additionally, the survey is not always conducted in the same manner. Working with elderly requires a series of different skills, similar to those that are typical and required for social work in general. Same goes with roles they partake while working with elderly. Volunteers are awarded in a form of small symbolic prizes but mostly with the feeling of personal satisfaction. Their hardships and distress are related to various factors: organization and execution of work, relationships amongst volunteers and elderly, public’s attitude towards their work and other factors of personal nature. While work with elderly is anything but easy, they regard it as positive. They rate it as successful. Volunteers state that they have gained a lot from working in this project. They give some concrete proposals, related to the execution of work, support at work and raising awareness.
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