Social workers play a crucial role in helping older people to access essential support. A new open access briefing shares key findings from the first large-scale research study on social work with older people in England.
The Frontline Briefing draws on recent findings by the Social Work with Older People (SWOP) research project. Led by researchers at the University of Birmingham and University of Bristol, the SWOP project sought to capture the details of what social workers do in their practice with older people and the impact this has on wellbeing.
The research found that in the UK, a number of intersecting challenges shape the need for, and the context of, social care services for older people. These include longer waits for assessment and support, delayed discharges from hospitals, and increasing pressures placed on carers, among other factors.
Designed for anyone working in the health and social care sector, the briefing sets out the specialist skills and knowledge practitioners bring to their work with older people, and the factors that enable effective practice.
The briefing builds on learning shared in the Promoting good social work with older people and their families: Practice Tool. Including a series of practice tools designed to support practitioners, the tool explores insights and evidence from the SWOP research project.
Social work with older people: Frontline Briefing
What impact do social workers have on older people’s wellbeing? Read findings from the first large-scale research study to examine what social workers do, how they do it, and the impact this work has.
Promoting good social work with older people and their families: Practice Tool
How can we support the growing numbers of older people in the UK? Explore practice tools designed to support practitioners to develop and apply important skills, knowledge and values.
Although social work with older people does bring challenges, it also provides a vital opportunity to enhance later life for people who experience barriers to wellbeing.
Social work with older people: Frontline Briefing (2024)
This resource uses insights and evidence from a recent research project focused on Social Work with Older People. It sets out the specialist skills and knowledge practitioners bring to their work with older people, the impact they have on the people they work with, and the factors that enable effective practice.
Promoting good social work with older people and their families: Practice Tool (2024)
This resource uses insights and evidence from a recent research project exploring Social Work with Older People. It is designed to support practitioners to develop and apply the values, knowledge and skills that are important to older people, carers and families.