Social Work Practice with Older People by Rory Lynch

Author:Rory Lynch [Lynch, Rory]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Social Work
ISBN: 9781446286692
Google: FGpEAgAAQBAJ
Publisher: SAGE
Published: 2013-11-13T01:01:55+00:00

Interpersonal skills

In more general terms, Thompson (2002) characterised what he refers to as ‘communicative sensitivity’ by an awareness of two facets of skill. One is the ability to read the situation by effective use and consideration of interpersonal skills so as to determine an appropriate response, and the other is in relation to making time for communication in a busy working life. Thompson (2011) further reiterates that practitioner failure to engage with those with communication problems due to dementia are indulging in a ‘defeatist’ stance that further reinforces discrimination.

Goldsmith’s (1996) work in relation to communicating with those with dementia develops a more profound locus of attention. He couches the capacity for communication within a social disablement focus where it is the responsibility of the professional to find meaningful ways to engage with those with dementia. He goes further and speaks of a capacity for entering into the individual worlds of the older person with dementia through an appreciation of the individual pace of the person and an awareness of the multiplicity of communication styles that exist. This is particularly important within the assessment process, and especially at the diagnosis stage of dementia. It is clear both from an inclusive and person-centred approach that a less interrogatory approach is more beneficial to someone who may be in a state of shock at the diagnosis itself. The simple expedient of sitting beside the person diagnosed and moving at a comfortable pace through the documentation with a commensurate clarification of what is being said and what is meant will prove more effective (Marshall and Tibbs, 2006).

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