Social Work and Dementia

Foreword by Murna Downs. 1. Introduction. 2. The Journey through Care. 3. The Historical and Legal Context. 4. Good Practice in Social Work with Dementia. 5. The Emotional and Social World of the Person with Dementia. 6. Cultural Difference. 7. Directions for the Future. Appendix I. A Short Guide for the Management of Finances for a Person with Dementia. Appendix II. Some Useful Contacts for Social Workers. References. Index.

Tibbs' case for developing dementia specific services and her outline for a key role for social work practitioners is a welcome addition to the field, particulary in this time of great organisational change facing health and social care services. The book presents clear and cogent arguements for good professional practice, illustrated with case examples. Contemparary social work's adoption of the care management approach does not in Tibbs' opinion meet the needs of people with dementia. The task-specific and short term nature of care management fails to provide a continuing service for people with dementia and their families. Instead Tibbs' argues for a disability model of care that considers people with dementia as a specific group-including both younger and older people with dementia.This requires specialist training, the development of a ""one-stop shop"" service, a multidiciplinary approach, recognition for the need of on-going support and person-focused assesment practices. And it is imperative, in Tibbs' veiw, that social work plays a central role in these services. This book presents a helpful guide to practitioners in developing such services and as such is to be recommended.