Ageing and disability: Transitions into residential care

Introduction

This unit considers working with people in group care and residential settings. Social workers play a critical role in supporting service users in moves to and from residential care, and they should be capable of assessing needs and the quality of care provision. The activities in the unit focus on the lives of three people living in a nursing and residential home for elderly and disabled people. Although many of the practice examples relate to work with older people, the values and principles surrounding this work also apply to other service users who make transitions to and from care, for example, children being accommodated or people with learning disabilities.

First, you consider the emotional impact that moving into a residential home can have and how social workers can support individuals and their families with this transition. Then you explore the characteristics of the residential environment and its impact on the quality of life of residents. Next, the process of selecting a residential home, the development of personal care plans and the role of the social worker are discussed. Finally, links to practice learning opportunities are suggested, relating to the requirements specified within the key roles: ‘Preparation for assessment of need? and ‘Support, representation and advocacy?.

This unit is an adapted extract from the course Applied social work practice (K216)

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