Using this site

This website enables learning and development whatever role you are in and stage of your career you are at, and whatever level of the Capabilities Statement you are working to.

The website centres on the case study of Don and Madge, a retired couple dealing with the consequences of ageing. The case study moves through seven time periods as their circumstances change and the responsibilities for caring develop.

The case study is designed to explore some of the complex issues associated with increasing frailty and escalating care and support needs in late life. It does not look at safeguarding or capacity as these topics are well covered in existing guidance. Instead the focus is on vital but neglected aspects of practice: the psycho-social and physical processes that underlie many of the experiences and challenges of late life; and the relational skills needed for practice that promotes prevention and well-being as required by the Care Act 2014.

When you click on each stage of the case study, you will find:

Personal History – this sets out what is happening for Don and Madge at the moment. It highlights some particular topics that are then explored below.

  • You can use this narrative as a reflective case study in your learning and development.

Values and Ethics – this links what is happening to Don and Madge to the values and ethics that social workers need.

  • You can use this as part of your learning and development around the capabilities in the Values and Ethics, Diversity & Equality, and Rights, Justice & Economic Wellbeing domains of the Capabilities Statement.

Law and Policy – this links what is happening to Don and Madge to the law and policy that social workers use.

  • You can use this as part of your learning and development around the capabilities in the Knowledge domain of the Capabilities Statement.

Knowledge, Evidence and Good Practice – this links what is happening to Don and Madge to the latest research and evidence about good practice.

  • You can use this as part of your learning and development around the capabilities in the Knowledge and Critical Reflection & Analysis domains of the Capabilities Statement.

Skills – this links what is happening to Don and Madge to the latest research and evidence about the skills that social workers need.

  • You can use this as part of your learning and development around the capabilities in the Skills domain of the Capabilities Statement.

Activities – this suggests activities that explore the topics related to what is happening to Don and Madge.

  • You can use this to find learning and development activities. This will help you to meet the Professionalism domain of the Capabilities Statement.

Through your learning and development, and use of this site, you will be in a position to influence others. This will enable you to meet the Contexts & Organisations and Professional Leadership domains of the Capabilities Statement.

You can click here to download a list of the Topics covered in the Case Study.

 

Use the drop down menu on the Professional Development tab to:

Find Useful Links for further information about working with older people