Social Work Practice with Older People: A Positive Person-Centred Approach

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rory Lynch
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Older People ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Positive Person

Triple powerlessness traps and old age: Implications for social work practice

2021 ◽  
pp. 146801732110291
Author(s):  
Ping Kwong Kam
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Older People ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Chinese Society ◽  
Structural Level

Summary Over the last two decades older people in Hong Kong have experienced increased powerlessness. This article argues that the prevalent use of structural analysis, mainly the political economy approach, provides an inadequate explanation of the strong sense of powerlessness experienced by older people in a Chinese society like Hong Kong. The article extends structural level analysis by embracing two additional levels, cultural and professional practice, to examine old age powerlessness in Hong Kong. Theoretical advances This paper contributes to increasing knowledge relating the concept of powerlessness to aging through a new analytical perspective, the “triple powerlessness traps” that include the structural, cultural, and professional practice levels of analysis. Applications The inclusion of two additional levels—cultural and professional practice—adds a necessary new dimension and depth to the analysis by suggesting that cultural explanations and the disempowering effects of professional practice should be afforded increased weight in the study of old age powerlessness in the Chinese context. The “triple powerlessness traps” help enhance analysis of old age powerlessness in societies facing cultural changes and the erosion of cultural values. They also have the practical value of arousing the awareness of social work professionals of the negative effects of the disempowered professional practice in producing or sustaining old age powerlessness and the need for changing social work practice at the policy, societal, agency, or organizational and personal levels.

Discrimination and injustice against older people in Uganda: Implications for social work practice

2019 ◽  
pp. 002087281985874
Author(s):  
Charles Kiiza Wamara ◽  
Maria Irene Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Professional Regulation ◽  
Work Education

This article highlights how older people in Uganda experience discrimination and injustice. It discusses the legal framework for their protection, while acknowledging that not all professionals are aware of or have access to the legal mechanisms meant to safeguard older people’s interests. It also discusses the role social work can play in protecting older people’s rights. It further recommends that social workers work to increase solidarity between generations and bring about social justice and respect for diversity. It concludes by highlighting the need to bring anti-discriminatory social work into mainstream social work education and the professional regulation of social work.

scholarly journals The ageing demographic transition: The impact on elderly and social workers

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Aldrich
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Demographic Change ◽  
Demographic Transition ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Severe Shortage

The issues associated with an ageing population pose substantial challenges for governments globally. Social workers are well suited to respond to the challenges of this demographic change. However, there is a severe shortage of social workers that are skilled in working in this field. This article looks at the ageing demographic transition, how support for the increasing older population will be a problem, and the issues that may impact older people,as well as social workers. How discrimination, culture and ethics inform social work practice, and the legislation and policies that are available for the aged. The article also looks at the knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and models of practice that are used by social workers in working with the older generation. 

scholarly journals Social work with older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: Using research to inform practice

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-15
Author(s):  
Jane Maidment ◽  
Ronnie Egan ◽  
Jane Wexler
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Culturally And Linguistically Diverse ◽  
The Individual

This research investigated the views of older culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people, their families and paid workers about experiences of giving and receiving care services in the Barwon region of Victoria, Australia. The project was conducted in collaboration with Diversitat, Geelong. While the research process incorporated a range of qualitative techniques this article is confined to reporting selected findings from the individual interviews and a focus group discussion. These findings demonstrated that particular caregiver personal attributes strengthened the relationship between older people and caregivers; differing interpretations were offered up about the use of time; multiple barriers for older CALD people using health and social services were identified; and that experiences of ageism within the health services were reported along with infrequent use of interpreter services. The article concludes with a discussion about the implications for social work practice and education with older CALD people. 

scholarly journals Casting Light on the Distinctive Contribution of Social Work in Multidisciplinary Teams for Older People

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Willis ◽  
Liz Lloyd ◽  
Jackie Hammond ◽  
Alisoun Milne ◽  
Holly Nelson-Becker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Social Work Values

Abstract The current policy emphasis in adult social care in England is on promoting independence, preventing or delaying the need for more intensive support and the provision of personalised services. However, there is little evidence available on how social workers (SWs) identify and meet the complex needs of older service users in practice. In this article, we present findings from a study of innovative social work practice with older adults in England (2018–2019). We present five case studies of social care and integrated services in which SWs are integral team members. Twenty-one individuals participated in interviews; this included service managers and practitioners with social work backgrounds, and other professionals, including nurses and occupational therapists. Specific practices contributing to innovative service delivery included: the strong demonstration of social work values influencing the practice of multidisciplinary teams; positive risk management; importance of timing and ensuring continuity of relationships; and, the proactive application of legal knowledge to promote older people’s rights. While some of these features can be seen as returning to the ‘heart’ of social work, we argue that they are promising in forging new paths for social work with older people that turn away from more managerialist- and procedurally driven approaches.

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