Äldres olika behov - biståndshandläggares berättelser om äldres psykiska och sociala behov

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study was to describe and analyse how case-workers manage the mental and social needs within elderly care. Many elderly suffer from mental illness, depression och loneliness. The study was conducted by qualitative semistructured interviews with case-workers through a targeted selection process. The study showed that physical needs are easier to manage and carry out rather than the psychological and social needs because they are more difficult to see. A lack of cooperation with psychiatric professionals and loneliness among the elderly leads to hostility. A lack of resources and medical referrals that should be the basis for approved interventions as well a lack of information about psychological and social needs all lead to the clients mental and social needs falling by the wayside. The stigma that surrounds mental illness as well as how the mentally ill have been cared for in the past effects the elderly’s willingness to communicate if their mental needs are being met. When in doubt, a case-worker is likely to refer to his or her colleagues which means that decisions and interventions are effected by the existing group culture of the office. The municipality prefers to save money so they prioritize physical needs of the elderly. When in need of mental services, the elderly are usually intructed to visit their local health care center, although there are few elderly that receive care for their mental needs according to research. The only care that the municipality can offer for the social needs of the elderly is a walking companion, although this doesn’t fully fulfill the social needs of the client. The Social Services Act clearly states that the need for assistance should be adapted to the individual. Change is required both on a systemic and individual level. Improvements are needed between the collaboration between different professions in order for the client to be seen and not fallen by the wayside.