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

Introduction
Part One - Setting the Context and Importance of Values
Chapter One - Reflective Social Work Practice with Older People: the professional and the organization
Chapter Two - Contextualising the Experience of Older People

Part Two - Equality and Diversity in Working with Older People
Chapter Three - Working with Older People from Black and Ethnic Minorities
Chapter Four - Working with Older People with Mental Health Needs
Chapter Five - Working with Older People with Dementia
Chapter Six - Working with Older People with Learning Disabilities
Chapter Seven - Working with Older People with Long Term Conditions
Chapter Eight - Working with Loss and Bereavement in Older People
Chapter Nine - Working with Older People and Sexuality
Chapter Ten - Working with Older People and Spirituality

Part Three - Enhancing the Well-being of Older People and Safeguarding Issues
Chapter Eleven - Skills in Working with Risk
Chapter Twelve - Skills in Safeguarding and Supporting Older People

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 holistically
• Features case studies and exercises to assist readers in reflecting on their practice
• Examines a range of contexts and perspectives, including sexuality, spirituality, learning disabilities
• Encourages wider reflection on the constraints posed by organisations employing social workers and the impact on their practice
• Provides 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