Introduction
During my twenty-day posting at the Day Centre, I gained considerable experience working with elderly adults above the age of 65 years. The insight that I obtained from the invaluable interactions with them has enriched my personality as a social worker. Being able to treat all the aged persons equally, completely ignoring their diversity in ethnicity, age, gender, race and nationality, was a pleasure in itself. Though the interactions were a new experience, the ability to practice equality and empowerment among them constituted an achievement I cannot deny. This impartial behaviour made me a favourite among them. Guiding and assisting them gave me the elated feeling of having used my good offices for their purposes; I realised that this was empowerment. I have elaborated below the various aspects of the social work that I indulged in and my reflections at this stage. I am sharing the new knowledge that I gathered during the period.
Why I am opting for social work among the elderly
The elderly is a vulnerable group of people who need assistance from healthier people for many of their daily functions. Social work is an essential component in the care for the elderly as this group is increasing in number (Keith, 2003. p. 85). Three methods have evolved for the social integration of the elderly residents at the Day Centre. Activities are arranged so that this vulnerable population is provided the opportunities to go out of their homes. They are taken out on tours or picnics by friends and relatives or the staff or they have visitors at the facility. This support involves personal efficacy. I am proud of being part of the community caring for the aged people who need help. The 20 days exposed the happiness of the aged in the company of us, friends and relatives.
A right to enjoy life
The peaceful and contented disposition of the aged is another of their features that has touched me. This could be a result of their spiritual integrity acquired from their harsh experiences. I read that their life changes and becomes rosier with the advent of the psychosocial and spiritual aspects of life (Turner, 2005, p. 215). Turner’s suggestion that the old are “all decline” only physiologically is true to a great extent. Social contact changes their life. If they are allowed to remain without social contacts, their misery becomes untold. Though this was a revelation to me, I made amends by finding ways to improve on the social contacts and activities of the aged I met. They have an equal right to enjoy their life as they deem fit. At their age, their means of finding satisfaction may border on the spiritual. Simply attending church or praying often does not provide the spiritual dimension. However, this may work for those who have experienced difficulties in life when they found solace in His arms. Their strong religious conviction would have guided them to become successful in facing adversity.
A right to Equality
Equality of access to high-quality health care and social equality by a view of human rights are to be accorded the aged or other vulnerable population like the homeless, orphans, the invalid or ethnic groups or races or nationalities or the mentally ill. Equality should eliminate discrimination. One author has said thus: “Equality, especially in the sense of ameliorating social and material inequalities and their effects, is a central concern of welfare states and their key institutions” (Horton and Patapan, 2004).
My experience during my posting allowed me to have first-hand information on the equality issues of the aged. I realized the world of good brought about by the Race Relations Act of 1976 which was established by the United Kingdom to prevent discrimination on the basis of race, colour, nationality, ethnicity in areas of employment, service provision, education, and attendance at functions (Race Relations Act Amendments 2003, Office of Public Sector Information). The aim was to ensure equality amongst all people living in the British Community. These definitions still cannot be considered complete as inequalities of many kinds exist. Regulations were newly added in 2003 to the Race Relations Act to further cover the subject of discrimination. In short, vulnerable people like the aged had many of their rights protected.
A right to be a human
The aged have human rights as any other population. Equality is to be provided to all humans with the same opportunities and rights though cultural diversity or any other differences exist. They need liberty and security (Gandois, 2006). They must be able to live adequately and be accorded fairness of treatment; this is equity. Offering equity is to provide fair treatment without partiality while giving ample scope for diversity. Political rights should never be denied. Participation in political activity should be allowed if health permits. Whatever right is permitted to humans must be supported by legislation in this age of globalization (Gandois, 2006). It is unimportant as to who makes the legislation: making a significant decision is more important.
Reflections on other “Rights” that I found
The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 protected men and women from discrimination on the grounds of sex in employment, education, training, harassment, provision of goods, and disposal of homes. Regulations were made in 2008 for transgender people. There were laws for the men, women, for married persons in employment, for discrimination through victimization and interpretation (Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Office of Public Sector Information). Equality of opportunity is provided to men and women in all fields.
The Disabilities Discrimination Act, 1995 is also an Act of Parliament that prevents discrimination against disabled people by law (Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Amendments, 2003). The disabled with mental health problems are allowed to keep their homes; it is against the law to evict them. Some of the aged come under this category. The Human Rights Act, 1998 balances one’s rights against another’s and considers the interests of the community too (A Guide to the Human Rights Act 1998, 2006). An individual’s right is restricted only when fighting crime or promoting public health. Public concerns had to ensure that their actions conform to the conventional rights.
The Empowerment and Advocacy Theory
Advocacy is the role taken up by a social worker whose job involves speaking up for people or supporting people to speak up for themselves. Empowerment is the approach or stance that goes with the advocacy role. Social workers are always trying to influence someone on decision making so that their service users are benefited. They help to resolve problems for their clients. The service users are assisted when they have to negotiate with housing agencies. They are also supported by the social workers when being interviewed by the police officers or immigration authorities or when speaking in courts. In general, social workers negotiate practical problems in favour of their clients. The essential aim of the advocacy is that the work defined by the client is achieved. When a social worker acts following a request by the client, it is no more named advocacy. It is advocacy only if the social worker acts in the best interest of the client.
My experience of empowerment and advocacy with my aged clients
The settings I work in allowed me several instances for practising equality and empowerment among my aged clients and empowering them, in turn, to speak or ask for genuine rights or demands. Never would I have felt so knowledgeable about the needs of the aged had I just read about them from a source of information. I have also learned that my work settings require this practice of equality to ensure maximum satisfaction to the persons I cater to and myself. The practical experience has also equipped me with the ability to deal with the problems of the aged and hone my skills of advocacy and empowerment. Thanks to a destiny that has made me opt for social work, I am willing to delve deep into the problems and necessities of the elders and do the utmost for them.
In the course of my posting, I was assigned the work of accessing referrals, assessments, and other case files to gather information for completing Mrs (W’s) care plan. Case files had to be accessed for completing risk assessments and care plans as they provided background information and knowledge of past events. Instant information could be obtained from the internet on a daily basis. Other agencies, Housing, Health, Harrow Social Services, Connexions were accessed in order to fully investigate resources available for services users, to signpost and refer on appropriately and advocate on their behalf as was necessary. I informed Mrs (W) who was unaware of this service about age concerns. I gave her the contact number and application form to apply. I was ready to help fill the form if she needed me to. Having been supported daily by my practice assessor to give me guidance in my practice, I was able to achieve several of my assignments to the core. Mr (F), who was worried regarding support available to him, has been encouraged to access services from other voluntary agencies and statutory bodies. Promoting opportunities for the service users to participate and develop within the local community, I was able to reach through to many of the aged who attended the Day Centre. Often at times, I have had to explain legislation, policies and procedures in a simple way that is helpful and non-threatening, helping service users to understand the risks and how these could be managed.
Personally attending meetings, reviews and support groups to get more information, I have improved my knowledge about the support services for the aged. Having attended a Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting in Bentley Day Assessment Unit, I have learned about planning and delivering care, assessment of need, mental health needs, and reviewing of care plans. The importance of effective communication in social care setting has been impressed upon me.
Every Monday, I formed my own group with service users, where I gave them IT lessons. These elderly service users were eager to access the computer, Internet files, Microsoft office. They looked upon the computer as a new gadget they wanted to handle. Accessing the Internet was a fun game for them. Many of them felt equipped with this new achievement or empowerment. They always had questions on information technology which I was only eager to answer. My main objective was to provide the service users a source of fun along with helping them sharpen their intellect. They were also made to search for social networking sites and to fully use them with their friends and families. It was my duty to report services that did not maintain quality. Attending a Reminiscence group was particularly useful in identifying and promoting opportunities for the service users to use their own strengths and expertise, enabling them to meet their responsibilities in securing their rights and achieving change. I was able to convince them through open discussions. Reassurance of my availability to advise, assist and support them, I encouraged service users to participate in other activities within the community like day trips. My contributions to the reviews of clients’ care plans in Bentley Day Assessment Unit have been commended by my practice assessor. I have attended and contributed to Mr (R’s) family meetings. I helped him to develop a good relationship with his family and enabled him to voice his concerns to them and managed to ensure they remain affirmed and valued. I have been involved in meeting with my practice assessor and service users to review progress and make changes to meet client’s needs. Working within a team to their short-term goals for the smooth running of the team, I have obtained feedback from team members and taken into account their advice which I am sure has contributed to how I have practiced more effectively and efficiently. I seek to ensure that I work safely and in accordance with policies and procedures of the agency, recording appropriately and keeping information on case files up-to-date and accessible.
Conclusion:
The posting at the Day Centre has changed many of my original ideas on social work. My purview has transformed me into a sociable, emotionally intelligent, and more confident social worker. Having developed an interest in working with the aged especially the helpless, I thoroughly enjoyed my days. Many of the aged are not aware of their rights by way of legislation. Practising equality and empowering them took up much of my time. I have found my vocation.
References:
- A Guide to the Human Rights Act 1998, 2006. 3rd Ed.Department for Constitutional Affairs.
- Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Amendments, 2003. Web.
- Gandois, H. (2006). “Democracy as Human Rights: Freedom and Equality in the Age of Globalization”. Journal of Ethics and International Affairs, Vol. 20, Issue 2.
- Horton, K. and Patapan, H. (2004). “Globalisation and Equality” Routledge
- Keith, P.M. (2003). “Doing good for the aged: Volunteers in an ombudsman programme”. Published by Praeger: Westport
- Race Relations Act Amendments (2003), Web.
- Sex Discrimination Act, (1975).
- Turner, F.J. (2005). “Social work diagnosis in contemporary practice”. Oxford University Press: New York