Something to Aspire to: Social Work in a Seemingly Futile Setting

Abstract

The care of chronically mentally disabled residents in psychiatric facilities is often perceived by social workers as an unrewarding task. Traditionally the care of the chronically disabled has been a low priority area or used as a training ground for new staff. This attitude expressed on both administrative and clinical levels is changing with the international trend toward community care and rehabilitation for the chronically disabled. I have chosen to write of my past experiences in the area and of my perceptions of the inadequacies of my social work education in preparing me to work.