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6/2020 – Evaluation in Social Work 1/2021 – ERIS Journal - Winter 2021 - Forced Migration and Minority Groups 2/2021 – 3/2021 – 4/2021 – ERIS Journal - Summer 2021 - Histories of social work

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Issues

Issues » 2004/3 - Community Work »

The grounds and objectives of charitable-diaconic work with the elderly

Jakub Doležel

Abstract:
What is the relationship between the active Christian faith, or its theological reflection, and the professional involvement in the field of assistance to the elderly? Can theology offer any relevant practical knowledge to social workers seeking new impetuses and inspiration for their practice? And which elements of faith can provide support to those working in religious senior care? If social work and theology are not two parallel worlds intersecting in infinity, what are their points of contact? The author seeks to answer these questions by means of the classic axiom of communication psychology. In the conclusion of his contribution the author shows exemplarily the possible form of the codification of the mission, objectives and principles of social services for the elderly in religious residential homes.