CHANGES IN THE ARAB-WORLD AND DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICES FOR THE ARAB ELDERLY IN ISRAEL DURING THE LAST DECADE

The social, economic, educational and cultural changes brought about b y the modernization process occurring in the Arab society in Israel ha ve encroached upon the life and status of the elderly. The gradual aba ndonment of the multigenerational household has made care for the elde rly, especially the disabled and frail, increasingly difficult for the younger generations. Consequent on the 1988 Community Long-Term Care Insurance Law, social clubs, day care centers and home care for the el derly have been initiated; a longterm care/nursing home, until now an unknown phenomenon among the Arab population, has been established. Al though the concept is slow in being accepted, to date, two years after its inception, it is nearly fully occupied. Nevertheless, a fine bala nce must be maintained between formal care and the responsibility of t he family, so as not to harm the delicate fabric of the age-old norms and values of intergenerational relationships.