Kinship care and older persons: An Islamic perspective

This article explores issues pertinent to culturally sensitive social work and the care of older persons in Muslim communities in the context of population ageing. In particular, it examines kinship care in Islam and its incorporation into institutional social work services as part of multicultural practice with older Muslim clients. The aim of the article is to assess the nature of kinship care systems as informal support networks among Muslim communities and their role in supporting the well-being of older persons in the family. These networks play a pivotal role in Muslim family life and need to be considered in social work policies and practice so that service provision can be consistent with the lived realities of Muslim clients in their diverse environments.