Abstract
A scoping review maps the range of literature in a particular field and identifies where gaps in the evidence base may lie. The article reports a scoping review of literature in relation to advocacy and the decision to enter a care home in England, examining material published in English from 2000 to 2008 relating to the UK context and social work practice. Developments in decision-making related to mental capacity in England and Wales, with the introduction of advocacy on a statutory footing, may impact on the role of social workers. The implications of these developments are discussed in relation to making a decision to move to a care home in later life, to social work practice and in ascertaining the difference that advocates might make to this decision. The review concludes that there may be a need for greater attention to moves between homes and to people who positively want to move to a care home.
Acknowledgements
This work was undertaken as part of the main programme of research undertaken by the Social Care Workforce Research Unit at King's College London for the Department of Health. The views represented here are those of the authors alone and should not necessarily be interpreted as those of the Department of Health. We are grateful to Kath Parsons of the Older People's Advocacy Alliance for her assistance with our enquiries.