Abstract
Empowerment-oriented social work practice seeks to engage participants in the process of increasing their knowledge and skills relative to their efforts to meet their own needs and those of others. The form of intervention focuses on personal, interpersonal, organizational and larger political economic aspects of the issues faced by participants. This article outlines the theory and practice strategies of empowerment-oriented practice as a method of intervention with elders who require long-term care. Special content and strategies are suggested. Emphasis is on knowledge generated by the target population, as well as, knowledge generated through professional research and training.
The role of social workers in these interventions and the special challenges facing empowerment-oriented practice with this population are also addressed.
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