Working with Adults

This chapter will take a similar method to Chapter 4: with a focus on possibilities for radical approaches, it will not seek to explore mainstream practice unless this informs suggestions for alternatives. The chapter will examine such possibilities across several of the adult groups who seek the services of social workers: older people, those with learning difficulties, those with mental health problems and, finally, carers. Personalization (a term that is used alongside the concept of self-directed support — they will be used interchangeably) is the main driver for these areas of work in the UK and, in particular, for those with disabilities, so this will be looked at first. The comments about practice within this section apply across groups not specifically covered, such as physical disability. Addiction was considered in Chapter 4.