Yaşlıların Sosyal Yardımlara İlişkin Tutumları Üzerine Bir Araştırma

This study aims to explore the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of elderly individuals regarding social assistance. Since the focus is on perceptions and experiences, the qualitative method was preferred. In addition, since the research’s purpose was to explore and understand the participants’ experiences regarding social assistance, the phenomenological design, which is frequently used in qualitative research, was used. Fifteen elderly individuals aged 65 and over benefit from social assistance through criterion sampling and snowball sampling techniques. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants using a semi-structured interview form. A content analysis technique was used to analyze the data using the MAXQDA program. Three themes were reached regarding the attitudes and experiences of elderly individuals who benefit from social assistance regarding these assistances: “Reasons for Needing Social Assistance,” “Perception and Attitudes of Social Assistance,” and “Effects of Social Assistance on Elderly Individuals.” Within the scope of the study, the perspectives of the elderly on social assistance services, their experiences, and expectations of using these services were discussed in depth, and suggestions were presented to make social assistance policies more suitable for the needs of the elderly and to increase the effectiveness of the services.