Innovative and Promising Social Work Practice with Older People in England: a preliminary study

The aims of this study are to:
1. Develop an evidence base of promising and innovative practice in social work with older people
2. Capture the range of settings in which social work with older people is practiced; the range of roles and tasks involved; the diverse range of needs and situations faced and the potential to benefit older people and their families
3. Contribute to the development of specialist professional social work practice with older people.

A rapid literature review will be followed by case studies of 4 sites, identified as innovative and promising. Documentary analysis and interviews with selected individuals will focus on the distinctiveness of social work, the knowledge, skills and values required, approaches/models of practice used and the strengths, limitations and challenges of these. We will identify key learning points for social work practice and organisations employing social workers.