Being a social worker in homes for the aged: the real, the ideal, and the gaps between

Authors:
KOREN Chaya, DORON Israel
Journal article citation:
Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 44(3/4), 2005, pp.95-114.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA

Various theoretical research studies, both academic and professional, have considered the important role social work plays in institutional settings. However, worldwide, very little empirical research has been conducted to examine how social work actually functions in homes for the aged. The study considered here helps to address this, by describing three key aspects of this issue: (1) the function social workers in homes for the aged in Israel actually fulfill (their “real” function); (2) the role that these social workers think that they should be fulfilling (their “ideal” function); and (3) the gap that separates “the real” (what social workers actually do) from “the ideal” (what social workers feel they should be doing). The study's research findings show not only that a gap exists, but also its essence. In the case of both the real roles social workers play in homes for the aged and what they perceive to be the ideal roles they should play, as well as in the case of the gap between the two, “paternalistic” activities were emphasized far more than “empowering” activities, which advocate or promote autonomy. The data obtained outlines possible future research directions, identified while attempting to understand the factors that contribute to the current reality of care in homes for the aged.

Subject terms:
older people, residential care, social workers, care homes;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
United States
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1540-4048
ISSN print:
0163-4372

Key to icons

  • Free resource Free resource
  • Journal article Journal article
  • Book Book
  • Digital media Digital media
  • Journal Journal

Give us your feedback

Social Care Online continues to be developed in response to user feedback.

Contact us with your comments and for any problems using the website.

Sign up/login for more

Register/login to access resource links, advanced search and email alerts