Forms of support for seniors in their local circle (on the example of the work of the Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation in the United States)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a description of “examples of good practice” in the area of local forms of support for the elderly as represented by the Northwest Indiana Community Action (NWICA) in the United States. The content of the article includes the characteristics of NWICA and its place in the social support system in US. It also includes a detailed presentation of the kinds of support that are available to older people and their families through the agency of NWICA, such as access services, in-home services and community-based services, and their efficiency in creating conditions for “aging with dignity where in the place of residence.” Also the issue of the application of social support solutions developed in US to the Polish environment has been examined. The main outcome of the presented material is to provide direction for social policy that supports the role of the local community in supporting the elderly, and limits unnecessary institutionalization