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ABSTRACT

Over the last few decades, the number of elderly has increased in Sweden and many other countries in the world. Swedish society has struggled to provide support to meet the needs of this group of elderly. Many older people wish to move from their present homes into homes for the elderly where they can receive full support and services. Numerous older people report a lack of ability to cope with all of their household needs and daily activities. As people get older, there are different dimensions of changes, including becoming frail and unwell.

This study includes 10 interviews with older people. Participants were informed of the ethical issues related to this study and then gave their consent. The interviews examined older peoples understanding and experiences of security and vulnerability when living at home. The work reflects on themes such as security, insecurity, health and social capital. The study aims to contribute increased knowledge to the field about this group of elderly and to broaden our knowledge of how the field of social work can better relate to this group based on these findings.

The study participants were able to describe their perceptions of dimensions of safety in the home and the impact of vulnerability due to health difficulties. Results showed gender differences with women being more fearful than the men as well as a strong connection with impaired health. The women also had different feelings of vulnerability and a lack of social capital. All of the male participants claimed to be secure in their own homes. At the same time, they were very concerned about problems on the horizon related to changes in the welfare system. Several of the women had concrete strategies to protect themselves.  These strategies included: door chains, security alarms, visible deterrents such as a police hat placed out in the house and visible from the outside. Participants also completed safety steps such as checking their doors multiple times. Finally, this study reminds us that the needs and concerns of older people are an area of importance in the broader social arena.