Social Work Practice with People with Dementia critically discusses
the cultural and discursive contexts in which social work with dementia
takes place.
This is because how we think about dementia influences how we treat
people living with the condition. The book also explains the demographic
context that has made dementia a global public health priority in recent
years. The different forms of dementia are discussed in a way that is
accessible to a non-medical readership. The book discusses the different
settings and circumstances in which social work with people with
dementia and their carers takes place and examines the chief elements of
the social work role. In doing this, it explains the professional
knowledge, skills and values that social workers need in order to
practice effectively in this area of growing importance. Part of this is
appreciating how approaches to dementia care have evolved over time. In
this context, the book discusses how the dominant bio-medical model has
been challenged by person-centred and rights-based approaches. As a key
part of social work is to offer people choices, the book provides
information about a wide range of health, social care and other services
that are available, whilst also highlighting the gaps that exist for
different groups and in different areas. Case studies and activities
help the reader apply theory to practice.
Social Work Practice with People with Dementia will be of particular
interest to social work students and early career social workers,
primarily in a UK context. However, it contains much relevant
information about dementia and dementia practice for anyone involved
with adult health and social care both in the UK and around the world.
