ÄBIC i praktiken. En kvalitativ studie om introduktionen av Socialstyrelsens arbetsmodell Äldres Behov I Centrum.

Sammanfattning: Author: Caroline Olsson Title: ÄBIC in practice – A qualitative study of the introduction of the working model named “The needs of the elderly in the centre”, developed by the National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden [translated title] Supervisor: Anders Östnäs Assessor: Dolf Tops The National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden has developed a new working model named ÄBIC which is to be used by the elderly care in the communities. The purpose of this study was to analyze how this working model was received by the social workers in the community who investigate and handle the needs of the elderly. The aim of the study was also to analyze ageism and how these social workers were affected by ÄBIC when it comes to being the front line workers dealing with discretion. This purpose was explored in semi-structural, qualitative interviews with six social workers in six different communities in Sweden. The results were analyzed with the help of Michael Lipsky´s theory of street-level bureaucracy and Robert Butler´s theory of ageism. The new working model ÄBIC was well accepted by the social workers although there were many challenges associated. Results show that all operators on all levels and areas within the organization affected by the new working model need to be educated and led by inspired managers. A functioning IT-system including the new ÄBIC concept is essential. Although the new working model is more controlling there is still some discretion available for the social worker. When it comes to the elderly, their needs and goals get more visible which is important especially for those who cannot make their voice heard. Despite the introduction of a new working model the social worker still has an important role in order to prevent ageism.