Abstract
This study aims to evaluate and improve the conditions of the life support system for the elderly residents in private as well as public welfare institutions. Understanding the actual state of the life support conditions in the low income housing for the elderly will be useful in drawing up the future support measures. The result was as follows : 1. The residents highly evaluate the present support system including home care service and emergency relief service. With a view to upgrading the system, it is clearly important for the beneficiaries to recognize correctly what measures are planned for improving the support system. 2. Most of the elderliness living in those facilities are not opposed to the social exchange with other local residents. In this connection, it is suggested that part of the facilities for the low income residents be utilized for interactions with the residents in the vicinity as a venue of social exchange. 3. Regarding the social exchange with local residents, the low income residents may be classified into three types : (1) Those closely tied to the vicinity, (2) Those only exchanging casual greetings with local residents, and (3) Those with little or no contacts with the neighbors. The first type is actively involved in social exchange and life support is mutually practised. Although support from the care staff is needed with all types, it is to be noted that the second and third types need much more attention from the staff, especially in the use of the support facilities, because it is difficult for the elderliness to further their exchange with the people in the vicinity.
