Health Management and Social Care | The need for and the role of social care in the community and the private sphere across the lifespan

Health Management & Social Care Study Notes

Topic: The Need for and the Role of Social Care Across the Lifespan

Hey everyone! Welcome to your study notes for a really important topic. Ever wonder why we talk so much about building a "caring community"? Or what happens when people start to feel disconnected from their neighbours? This chapter is all about that!

We're going to explore why we need social care, especially in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong. We'll also look at the different roles of social care and the two main ways it's provided. This isn't just about textbook knowledge; it's about understanding the world around you and your place in it. Let's get started!

Part 1: Our Changing Communities - Why We Need More Care

Think about your grandparents' generation. They probably knew all their neighbours by name. Today, we might not even know the people living next door. This change is what we call the breaking down of community bonds. These "bonds" are like the invisible glue that holds a community together.

So, what's causing this breakdown?

Several factors in modern life are weakening these bonds. Let's look at the main ones:

• Technology Advancement: We're more connected online, but often less connected to the people physically around us. For example, spending an evening scrolling on your phone instead of chatting with your family or neighbours.

• Individualism: This is a focus on "me" over "we". While independence is good, too much individualism can mean people are less likely to help others or get involved in their community.

• Long and Irregular Working Hours: This is a big one in Hong Kong! When people are overworked and tired, they have less time and energy to socialise with neighbours or participate in community events.

• High Mobility of Community: People move apartments, schools, and jobs more often than in the past. It's hard to build strong, lasting relationships with neighbours if you or they are always moving.

What are the consequences of weaker community bonds?

When the "community glue" gets weak, it can lead to some serious problems:

• Lack of communication among people: We lose the simple, friendly interactions that make us feel like we belong.

• Ignorance and Isolation: People may not know about the support services available in their community, or they might feel lonely and disconnected, even in a crowded city.

• Less Mutual Support: If you don't know your neighbours, who can you ask to help collect a package or keep an eye on your home when you're away?

• Social Problems: In extreme cases, a lack of community connection can lead to higher crime rates and social disorder because people feel less accountable to each other.

Key Takeaway for Part 1

Modern life (technology, long work hours, etc.) is weakening our community bonds. This makes us feel more isolated and less supported, which is why organised social care is more important than ever for our health and well-being.

Part 2: The Awesome Power of Social Care

Okay, so we know there's a problem. What's the solution? Social care! But what does that really mean? Social care is all about providing help and support to people in the community to enhance their well-being. It plays a HUGE role in making individuals and society stronger.

Here are the key roles of social care. Don't worry, we'll break them down. To help you remember, think of the acronym R.E.C.C.B. (Social care helps us RECConnect and Become better!)

The 5 Key Roles of Social Care (R.E.C.C.B.)

R - Reciprocity and Mutual Care
This is the idea of "I help you, you help me." Social care teaches us how to give and receive support. It builds a cycle of kindness. For example, a university student volunteers to tutor a primary school kid, and in return, gains valuable teaching experience and a sense of purpose.

E - Empathy and Commitment
Social care helps us walk in someone else's shoes. By helping the disadvantaged (like the elderly or people with disabilities), we develop empathy (understanding their feelings) and a stronger commitment to making our community a better place for everyone.

C - Confidence
Believe it or not, helping others helps you! When you participate in social care activities, like volunteering, you gain new skills and see the positive impact you can make. This is a great way to build personal confidence and self-esteem.

C - Communication and Problem-Solving Skills
Social care involves working with different people to solve real-world problems. This is fantastic practice for developing your communication skills (listening, explaining) and your ability to work in a team to find solutions.

B - Balanced and Socially Responsible Individuals
Ultimately, the goal of social care is to help people grow up to be well-rounded and responsible citizens. It moves our focus from just "me" to "us," encouraging a sense of duty to our family, community, and society.

Key Takeaway for Part 2

Social care isn't just about helping others; it also helps us. It builds our empathy, confidence, and skills (R.E.C.C.B.), turning us into more balanced and responsible individuals who contribute positively to society.

Part 3: The Two Types of Care - Formal vs. Informal

So, who actually provides all this care? It comes from two main sources. Think of it like this: if you're sick, formal care is like going to the doctor (an official professional), while informal care is like your mum making you soup (personal support from loved ones).

Formal Care: The Official Support System

Formal care is organised, structured support provided by the government and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs).

• Who provides it?
- Government: e.g., The Social Welfare Department in Hong Kong.
- NGOs: e.g., Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Po Leung Kuk, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. These are non-profit groups that provide services to the community.

• What does it look like?
- Information and support services: These are the things you can see and use, like community centres, elderly homes, counselling hotlines, and food banks.
- Policies to build a caring society: These are the government's "rules" and plans to help people, like providing financial assistance (e.g., CSSA), passing laws to protect children, and funding community projects.

Informal Care: The Power of People

Informal care is the unofficial, everyday support we get from the people around us. It's the foundation of a strong community and comes from the private sphere (your personal life) and the wider community.

• Who provides it?
- Family, friends, neighbours, colleagues. Basically, anyone in your personal circle!

• What does it look like?
- It's all about the social support network. This is your personal "team" of people you can rely on.
- Examples: A friend listening when you're stressed, a neighbour helping your grandma with her groceries, family members looking after each other, colleagues covering a shift for you when you have an emergency.

Quick Review: Formal vs. Informal Care

Characteristic ---- Formal Care ---- Informal Care

Provider: ---- Government & NGOs ---- Family, Friends, Neighbours

Structure: ---- Organised, Professional ---- Spontaneous, Unofficial

Examples: ---- Community Centres, Policies ---- Helping a friend, Family support

Did you know?

Both formal and informal care are essential! They work together. For instance, a formal government programme might give a subsidy to families (formal care) to help them better look after an elderly parent at home (informal care).

Key Takeaway for Part 3

Social care is delivered in two main ways. Formal care is the organised support from the government and NGOs. Informal care is the everyday support from family, friends, and community. A healthy society needs a strong combination of both.