The potential of social work in the rehabilitation of older people

Abstract

The term social worker is often used in a broad sense to describe someone who works for a local authority social services department (England and Wales) or social work department (Scotland). The actual qualification of Diploma in Social Work (previously Certificate of Qualification in Social Work) defines a more restricted group of employees, but the majority of these are still based in local authorities. In this chapter, while not disregarding the often skilled and experienced work of other social services personnel, we focus on the work of qualified social workers in rehabilitation settings, acknowledging that many are in management positions, supervising others with more direct client contact. We look at the context of their work, key theories and values which underpin their practice and current concerns and contributions. By examining care management in particular, we explore some of the social work activities that impinge on the lives of older people and their helpers, professional or otherwise, in the area of rehabilitation and continuing care.