Social Work with Older People: Approaches to Person-Centred Practice

Barbara Hall worked as a social worker and manager in mental health. She was Head of Training and Development for West Sussex County Council, and is an Associate Lecturer, at the University of Chichester, UK.Terry Scragg worked as a social worker in health and social care services, with people with learning disabilities and older people, and subsequently as a lecturer in social work. He is currently working as a practice assessor with students completing their social work degree at the University of Chichester, UK.

This accessible book takes a unique person-centred approach to working with older people and provides an introduction to the legislation, policy, theory and research needed by social workers. The authors explore the experience of being an older person and how practitioners can work to make positive differences to older people's lives. In addition, the book:Goes beyond the mechanistic care management approaches to social work and encourages the reader to see older people holisticallyFeatures case studies and exercises to assist readers in reflecting on their practiceExamines a range of contexts and perspectives, including sexuality, spirituality, learning disabilitiesEncourages wider reflection on the constraints posed by organisations employing social workers and the impact on their practiceProvides an up-to-date exploration of safeguarding issues The authors take into account financial constraints with regard to the care of older people and the impact of a changing demography, but remain upbeat and positive about the value of social work intervention.Social Work with Older People is relevant for students on placement in adult services or voluntary organizations and social work practitioners working with older people.Contributors : Gill Butler, Rick Fisher, Chris Gaine, David Gaylard, John Gisby, Vivienne Killner, Andrea Linell, Andy Mantell, Debbie Smallbones, Chris Smethurst, Sally Stapleton, Graham Tooth, Christine Wright

IntroductionPart One - Setting the Context and Importance of ValuesChapter One - Reflective Social Work Practice with Older People: the professional and the organizationChapter Two - Contextualising the Experience of Older People