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The nature and extent of prisoners’ social care needs: do older prisoners require a different service response?
- Authors:
- TUCKER Sue, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work, 21(3), 2021, pp.310-328.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Summary: In light of longstanding concern about the lack of social care in prisons, the 2014 Care Act made local authorities in England responsible for identifying, assessing and meeting prisoners’ social care needs. However, service planning is difficult, for little is known about the level of demand or the extent to which the needs of older and younger prisoners differ. Against this background, face-to-face interviews (including screens for social care needs, substance misuse and mental health problems) were undertaken with a sample of male prisoners in North-West England. Findings: Three hundred and ninety-nine participants were aged 18–49 and 80 aged 50 plus. Overall, more than a 10th of participants had problems maintaining personal hygiene, dressing and/or getting around the prison safely; a significant minority lacked meaningful occupation; and approaching a sixth acknowledged problems forming/maintaining relationships. Older prisoners were significantly more likely than younger prisoners to need help with personal hygiene, dressing and moving around safely and to identify problems with their physical health and memory. Applications: The findings highlight the substantial number of older prisoners who could potentially benefit from some form of social care and support if they are to maintain their safety and dignity and make best use of their time in prison. They also underline the need to develop suitable screening and assessment tools for older prisoners, and for further research on the best service models for prisoners requiring intimate personal care. (Edited publisher abstract)
Financial abuse and scams: guidance for councillors, directors, managers and social work practitioners
- Author:
- ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF ADULT SOCIAL SERVICES
- Publisher:
- Association of Directors of Adult Social Services
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 14
- Place of publication:
- London
This guide gives some key information on the effects of scams on the continued health and wellbeing of individuals and it is aimed at those working in the adult social care sector. Each year scams cause approximately between £5 and £10 billion worth of detriment to UK consumers. Victims of scams, specifically the elderly and consumers made vulnerable by their circumstances, experience deteriorating health, independence and loss of self-confidence. These give rise to additional financial costs on the health and social care sector which could be prevented through earlier intervention and protection. The inevitable consequences of being a victim are also far more costly in terms of deteriorating health than with pure financial loss. An ageing population, reduced cognitive function in older people and social isolation further exacerbate the risk and impact of financial abuse and scams. The document provides essential advice and tips, designed to help consider responses to the risks of financial abuse associated with scams. They are not exhaustive but suggest areas of specific focus, and comprise: top tips for Councillors; top tips for Safeguarding Adults Boards; top tips for Health & Wellbeing Boards; and top tips for Social Care Practitioners. Three illustrative case studies are included. (Edited publisher abstract)
Excellent social work with older people: a discussion paper
- Author:
- COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK
- Publisher:
- College of Social Work
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 5
- Place of publication:
- London
Discussion paper setting out the College of Social Work's proposals for delivering excellence in social work with older people. It also presents their ideas on why and how social work should be better recognised as a specialism in its own right. The College proposes that: employers of social workers make it clear to older people in their communities how social work can support them and how they can access services; commissioners, employers, and the wider social work professions recognise social work with older people as a specialist area of practice; clarification and strengthening of the role of social workers in policy and guidance relevant to older people; and that research evidence to be properly utilised to ensure social work with older people continues to evolve and improve the lived experiences of older people. The paper seeks feedback on the follow areas: how should excellence be defined in terms of social work with older people; what difference can excellent social work make; and how can social work with older people be better recognised and valued. The deadline for responses is Tuesday 24th February at 5pm. (Edited publisher abstract)
Interest in working with the elderly: a cross-national study of graduating social work students
- Author:
- WEISS Idit
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work Education, 41(3), 2005, pp.379-391.
- Publisher:
- Council on Social Work Education
This article presents a cross-national study of social work students' interest in working with the elderly, based on a sample of 679 graduating BSW students from 7 countries: Australia, Brazil, England, Germany, Hungary, Israel, and the United States. The findings among all the national cohorts show that the motivation to work with the elderly was lower than motivation to work with any other age group, and that it was equally low in most of the countries. The findings support the growing concern that the social work profession may not be able to meet its obligations to the aging society.
Outcomes for older telecare recipients: the importance of assessments
- Authors:
- WOOLHAM John, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work, 21(2), 2021, p.162–187.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Summary: This article explores the role of telecare assessment, review and staff training in meeting the needs of older people living at home. Using original empirical data obtained from an online survey of English local authorities it reveals considerable variation in assessment and review practice and in training given to social work and other staff who assess and review, which may impact on outcomes for telecare users. The study findings are situated within an English policy context and earlier findings from a large, government funded randomised controlled trial. This trial concluded that telecare did not lead to better outcomes for users. Findings: Our survey findings suggest that it may be the way in which telecare is used, rather than telecare itself that shapes outcomes for people who use it, and that ‘sub-optimal’ outcomes from telecare may be linked to how telecare is adopted, adapted and used; and that this is influenced by staff training, telecare availability and a failure to regard telecare as a complex intervention. Application: The findings may help to reconcile evidence which suggests that telecare does not deliver better outcomes and local authority responses to this which either discount or contest its value. The article suggests that to use telecare to achieve optimal outcomes for older people, social workers, care managers and other professionals involved in assessing for telecare will need to be given enhanced training opportunities, and their employers will need to perceive telecare as a complex intervention rather than simply a ‘plug and play’ solution. (Edited publisher abstract)
Care coordination in adult social care: exploring service characteristics within the non-statutory sector in England
- Authors:
- SUTCLIFFE Caroline, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work, 18(5), 2018, pp.501-524.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Summary: As a result of national policy in respect of social care of adults in England, the non-statutory sector is increasingly more evident in the provision of care services previously undertaken by local government, including the delivery of care coordination for older people. However, little is currently known about the scope, content, or quality of services providing care coordination within this sector. This article reports the findings from a postal survey undertaken in January 2014 of non-statutory organisations in England providing care coordination services and investigates variations in their key attributes. Organisations providing care coordination services were identified using various strategies to create a database of services. Questionnaires encompassing several areas of enquiry were mailed to managers of care coordination services identified from the database. Findings: There was similarity in the operation of the care coordination services sampled. Many were small-scale services, contract-funded, and providing short-term support. Volunteer staff were a feature of most services. All services worked to written protocols and standards and almost all levied no charge. Many shared information with healthcare or local authority staff with user consent. Service user satisfaction was measured and used for service improvement. Application: This is one of the first studies undertaken in England to investigate the provision of care coordination by the non-statutory sector and to identify patterns of variation in key service attributes. Implications for commissioners, service providers, workforce, and social workers are further discussed. The findings provide baseline data against which future developments can be measured. (Edited publisher abstract)
Green paper for adult social care in England. British Association of Social Workers: initial position paper
- Author:
- BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS
- Publisher:
- British Association of Social Workers
- Publication year:
- 2018
- Pagination:
- 9
- Place of publication:
- Birmingham
Sets out the position of the British Association of Social Workers about what the Green Paper needs to achieve, based on the social work perspective on social care and with particular reference to the role of social work. The paper was produced by the Adults Practice, Policy and Education Group and draws on a consultation with BASW members (105 survey responses). The paper focuses on the seven principles for the Green Paper identified by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and what is needed to achieve these, based on the social work perspective on social care. These principles are: control; whole person, integrated care; quality; support for families and carers; a sustainable funding model; and to respect and nurture the workforce. (Edited publisher abstract)
Capabilities statement for social workers in England who work with older people
- Author:
- BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS
- Publisher:
- British Association of Social Workers
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 19
- Place of publication:
- Birmingham
This statement and development pathway sets out the knowledge, skills and values that social workers need to work with older people. It sets out the enhanced capabilities for five different levels of a social work career, showing how these capabilities develop and deepen through experience and ongoing professional development. The five levels cover: capabilities at qualification; at the end of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment; social worker and experienced social worker; advanced level; and at strategic level. The capabilities cover: professionalism; contexts and organisations; leadership; values and ethics; diversity; rights and justice; knowledge; critical reflection; and intervention and skills. The capabilities are not mandatory and act as guidance to improve social work development and they reflect what the evidence suggests will promote older people’s well-being. The statement has been developed by the social work profession, in partnership with older people, carers and diverse partner organisations and has been endorsed by the Department of Health. (Edited publisher abstract)
Renegotiating power in adult safeguarding: the role of advocacy
- Authors:
- LONBAY Sarah P., BRANDON Toby
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 19(2), 2017, pp.78-91.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The increased involvement of adults at risk in the safeguarding process has become a prominent issue within English safeguarding policy. However, there is evidence to suggest that actual levels of involvement are still low. The purpose of this paper is to present findings from a PhD study in relation to the benefits of advocacy in supporting this involvement in adult safeguarding for older people. Design/methodology/approach: Participants in the study included advocates and social workers who had experience of working with older people through the safeguarding process within two North East England local authorities. A critical realist approach through in-depth interviews was taken with all the participants. Findings: The research findings in relation to the benefits of advocacy in supporting older people going through safeguarding processes are reported. The practical limitations and factors which help and hinder advocacy support within the process are also considered. The theoretical implications for power, empowerment, and advocacy are also explored. Research limitations/implications: A key limitation of this research is that it did not include older people who had been through safeguarding amongst the participants. Practical implications: Key implications for practice and policy are discussed. Originality/value: The paper provides an overview and critique of empowerment in adult safeguarding and the role that advocates play in promoting this key principle. (Publisher abstract)
Exploring the role of independent organisations in care coordination for older people in England
- Authors:
- XIE Chengqiu, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work, 14(4), 2014, pp.419-438.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Summary Social care policies advocate the provision of coordinated care and the involvement of the independent sector in service planning and delivery. This study explores the characteristics of the independent organisations involved in care coordination for older people, the tasks undertaken, and management of the interface between the commissioning authorities and these organisations. The findings are based on semistructured telephone interviews conducted in 2009 with representatives from 25 local authorities in England regarding 40 organisations. Findings All organisations identified are voluntary in nature. They were diverse in terms of size, staffing, and history, typically undertaking care coordination for discrete user groups but few exclusively for older people. A range of care coordination activities were reported: assessment, brokerage, support planning, and monitoring and review. The extent of their involvement in these activities varied markedly. Commissioning and contracting arrangements differed; most organisations had short-term contracts. The main mechanism of contract monitoring was activity data returns; there was a lack of more detailed service evaluation. Both opportunities and challenges exist with regard to the future role of voluntary organisations in care coordination. Applications This study highlights the potential for voluntary organisations to undertake care coordination activities. To achieve this, partnership working between service commissioners and these organisations is required, and funding and support are essential for provider organisations to develop appropriate infrastructures. Information governance arrangements are required to facilitate information sharing. The potential expansion of the role of voluntary organisations and the implications for practitioners with respect to their employment prospects are explored. (Publisher abstract)