Involvement of Social Workers in the Community Service Provision System for the Older People in Urban China

Abstract

ABSTRACT Using Guangdong Province as the focus for this research, this article explores the role and functions of social work services in the elderly care system, and then analyses the relationship between social work services and family care services in urban China. The research found that social workers are confronted with challenges when providing culturally sensitive services, indicating a need for them to further develop their capacity to interpret service items and service provision procedures for older adults and family members. IMPLICATIONS In China, social workers should focus on the impact of filial piety on older adults who are clients of community service programs. At the initial stage of service provision, social workers may need to exert considerable effort to interpret service items and service provision procedures for older adults and family members. In Australia and other countries, where social workers often work with elderly Chinese immigrants and their families, familiarity with the concept of filial piety may be important.