1997 Volume 47 Issue 4 Pages 476-490
This paper aims to report on the developing process of a caring system for the elderly and to explain both the common features and the differences theoretically in the two areas.
First, the prejudices of people and sectionalism of organ have resulted in an immature market of caring services for the elderly in the homes. This is the reason why caring services for the elderly are adjusted not through the market system but through the systematization of various organizations.
Second, newly established voluntary organizations became engaged in the caring business for the elderly. They had a flexible form asking for members' cooperation under risky conditions and the sectionalism of the administrative systems.
Third, the linkage of various organizations by the new system has produced additional merits and contributed not only to the continuation of caring for the elderly in their homes but also to the satisfication of the elderly and the families who use the services. On the other hand, the new system changes from a voluntary form into a formal one as its work developes, because the equal and personal human relations in voluntary organizations makes activities limited and inefficient. As the new system becomes the formal one, however, hierarchical and closed tendencies, such as those in hospital and administrative system, are developing.
