Supporting social work with older people

Published: 11/07/2024

Author: Research in Practice

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.

View the Frontline Briefing

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.

View the Practice Tool

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.