Subject to contract? Volunteers as providers of community care for elderly people and their supporters

Abstract

Volunteers are an increasingly policy relevant source of organized support at home for elderly people and their carers in Great Britain. Policy is landing voluntary organizations towards greater direction, regulation and competition in the provision of services. The article focuses on the potential detrimental impact on volunteers' contribution by drawing on a research study of a voluntary sector home care relief scheme. The acceptability of the care to the recipients, the motivations and rewards of the volunteers and the tensions for the voluntary organization in delivering care via volunteers are outlined. The conclusion reached is that a "contract culture " is likely to erode rather than enhance the contribution by volunteers to community care for elderly people and their carers. © 1991.