This is a qualitative study using Symbolic Interactionism as a theoretical framework and the Grounded Theory as a methodological background. It aimed at understanding the volunteer-disabled elderly person interaction at a Day-Care Center and at designing a representative theoretical model for such experience. Data were collected by non-directive interviews. Two phenomena emerged from data analysis: becoming responsible for the continuity of volunteer work with disabled elderly persons supported by the healing expectation of former family caregivers in a society with a declining solidary conscience and assuming the volunteer role. Understanding the experience enbaled us to expand the knowledge concerning the movement undertaken in the experience denominated: between strengthening and the decline of the bond volunteerdisabled elderly person in a day-care hospital, mediated by (de) motivation.
Social Support; Aged; Disabled Persons; Family; Day Care
