Competence and risk in older adults: A social work perspective

Authors

  • Mary Farrelly A tutor on the Bachelor of Applied Social Services (BASS) degree at NorthTec, formerly a social worker for older people, in community and health settings.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol21iss4id255

Keywords:

health social work, older people, ethics of social work, autonomy of older people, capacity of older people,

Abstract

In more than 15 years of working with older people, in community settings and in health, one of the more common triggers for social work involvement centred around issues of competency – the capacity of the older person to continue to exercise autonomy and self determination in any or all facets of his/her life. Social workers operate within defined ethical guidelines, one of which is to recognise and uphold the dignity of the individual and the individual’s right to autonomy. However, often there is tension between the twin values of upholding this right to autonomy and the duty of care when working with older people where there is a question of impaired cognition and decision-making capacity. This article explores that tension in terms of the social work response.

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Published

2009-01-01

How to Cite

Farrelly, M. (2009). Competence and risk in older adults: A social work perspective. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 21(4), 15–24. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol21iss4id255

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 4 (2009): Vol 22, No 1

Section

Articles

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