Between Power and Empowerment: Trust and Dependence as a Legal Strategy in Swedish Elderly Care

Ann-Christine Petersson Hjelm

doi:10.36368/njolas.v2i01.12

Abstract

In this article, Ann-Christine Petersson Hjelm argues that the elderly care system in Sweden rests on what is described as a trust and dependence concept. In particular, it is discussed whether and in what way the interplay between trust and dependence is expressed in government committees and official documents. Interplay implies a correlation between social services personnel (trust) and the elderly (dependence). It is further stressed that the concept is a necessity, and that the impact of power – in terms of an instrument for management control – is a precondition for the elderly care system to work. It is argued that in the absence of indicative regulations, a built-in power strategy to create trust becomes necessary for the personnel. Petersson Hjelm also discuss power in terms of the elderly becoming empowered in relation to the exercise of public authority, activities or functions in elderly care by the personnel.

Highlights

Care is one of the largest and most rapidly changing welfare sectors in Sweden
I will argue that the system of elderly care in Sweden rests on what I describe as a concept of trust and dependence
I argue that the identification of the trust and dependence concept in elderly care is one of the main contributions made by this article

Summary

Introduction

Care is one of the largest and most rapidly changing welfare sectors in Sweden. I will argue that the system of elderly care in Sweden rests on what I describe as a concept of trust and dependence It is examined whether and in what way the interplay between trust and dependence is expressed by government committees and in official documents. I will further stress that in the absence of indicative regulations, a built-in power strategy for creating trust becomes a necessity for the personnel, more significantly so in situations when an old person is dependent on the care system In this context, the term social services personnel rests on a broader definition encompassing both social workers involved in the exercise of public authority as well as providers of social services who carry out activities or functions. Even though the legislation prohibits it, it should be possible to coax the individual to take their medicine if they do not understand that it is necessary for their health and wellbeing. (SOU series 2006:110, 235, author’s translation)

Point of departure

Elderly care in Sweden

The Swedish welfare model

The exercise of power and empowerment in elderly care

Conclusion

Notes on contributor