Social networks, social support, and elderly institutionalized people

This article shows how social network studies contribute to development of knowledge about social support and describes research on the social networks of elderly institutionalized people. Network patterns emerged from data obtained through an anthropological fieldwork approach to network analysis. They are discussed in connection with a conceptualization of support as esteem enhancement and coping assistance. Residents' points of view are reported in their own words as much as possible to preserve active images that confront stereotypes of elderly people as passive and dependent. Their responses illustrate important aspects of social support in institutional settings that have implications for scientific nursing practice.