Geriatric Social Work Practice: A Case Study Of An Elderly Woman Tea Plantation Worker

Abstract

The tea Industry of Assam is one of the lead producers of tea employing a large number of people. The labourers, even though forced to migrate from different parts of India, gradually became a part of Assam. But their life is full of untold sufferings and exploitation. Women tea plantation labourers are further suppressed and abused. Moreover, elderly women in tea plantations suffer from various socio-economic problems. Except one time financial benefit, they do not receive further help from the management after their retirement which force them to lead a life of neglect and dependency. They often become victims of abuse and mental trauma. In this scenario, a social worker can help and support them in leading a life without depending on other. They can provide guidance, support and help them by linking them to the various government benefits as well as through individualized social work practice. This paper is an attempt to understand the issues faced by an elderly woman in tea plantations through a detailed case study. Further it presents an example of geriatric social work practice in tea plantations.