Original scientific paper
An Example of Qualitative Research in Social Work with Older People: The History of Social Work in Old People’s Homes in Slovenia
Jana Mali
Abstract
Social work with older people deals with improving their capacity and ability to face and resolve problems, and with
raising awareness and encouraging their environment to maintain relational networks. Based on research regarding social
work with older people this paper presents the historical aspect of older people’s position within the development of
institutional care for older people in Slovenia. The paper attempts to show some characteristics of care in institutions for
older people in a historical perspective, considering the introductory description of older people’s position in modern society,
some characteristics of the (total) institution and a definition of the specifics of social work with older people. In the
past the mission of the social worker in old people’s homes was exclusively conceived on the basis of their relationship
with the residents. Today, it is the administrative function that is more in the foreground. Regardless of the deviations
seen in today’s mission of social work as compared to the past, individual work with residents has always been and remains
its characteristic today. Social workers help residents adapt to life in the home and the new institutional environment.
They ensure that every individual’s maximum abilities are considered, help solve the residents’ problems, function
as mediators in conflicts between the residents, and between the residents and staff. Therefore, social workers are expected
to have certain abilities and characteristics and in order to be able to carry out quality work they need to participate
in continuing education.
Keywords
history; (total) institution; old age; older people; social work
Hrčak ID:
72152
URI
Publication date:
30.9.2011.
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