Being a Social Worker in Homes for the Aged

Abstract

Various theoretical research studies, both academic and professional, have considered the important role social work plays in institutional settings. However, worldwide, very little empirical research has been conducted to examine how social work actually functions in homes for the aged. The study considered here helps to address this, by describing three key aspects of this issue: (1) the function social workers in homes for the aged in Israel actually fulfill (their “real” function); (2) the role that these social workers think that they should be fulfilling (their “ideal” function); and (3) the gap that separates “the real” (what social workers actually do) from “the ideal” (what social workers feel they should be doing). The study's research findings show not only that a gap exists, but also its essence. In the case of both the real roles social workers play in homes for the aged and what they perceive to be the ideal roles they should play, as well as in the case of the gap between the two, “paternalistic” activities were emphasized far more than “empowering” activities, which advocate or promote autonomy. The data obtained outlines possible future research directions, identified while attempting to understand the factors that contribute to the current reality of care in homes for the aged.

Key Words:

• Social work among the aged
• long-term care of the elderly
• gerontology and social work
• empowerment