TASK-CENTERED APPROACH. This essay takes a social work case study as the basis for an analysis of the different approaches that must be taken when dealing with individuals in a social work setting

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INTRODUCTION

This essay takes a social work case study as the basis for an analysis of the different approaches that must be taken when dealing with individuals in a social work setting. The essay focuses on a task-centered approach to solving the problems that arise in the context of the specific problem being discussed; this approach is preferred since it allows for a number of smaller goals to be set, and it is then possible to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the extent to which those goals have been met, and what measures (if any) must be taken in order to improve working standards in future. The case will also highlight the values, anti-discriminatory and anti oppressive practice that was involved in applying the task-centered approach which helped with the decision-making process.  

The aim is to use the case of NG in order to better understand various aspects of social work, and to come up with a series of recommendations in terms of any improvements that might be necessary. At its most basic formulation, social work can be defined as “a social science that improves the lives of people and societies… and to promote social justice and the end of chronic social problems” (Wilson et al., 2008, p. 17). By studying the theory of social work, it’s possible for practitioners to gain a far better understanding of the ways in which social care practice can be used to enhance the lives of those who are in need of help. In order to be useful, however, such theory “must have a practical dimension that allows for the application of that theory in the real world” (Wilson et al., 2008, p. 36).

The International Federation of Social Workers (2000 in Beckett, 2006:5) provides the following definition:

‘The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being.  Utilizing theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments.  Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work’

Payne (2005) suggests that social workers need to have ideas that try to explain why and how we should make our practice decisions.  Social work theory, therefore, can be said to serve the functions of providing some explanation for the complexities observed in practice, help predict future behaviour, how the problem or condition could develop and what might be the effect of planned change (Coulshed & Orme, 2006).  

Furthermore, social work theory provides guidance towards more effective practice (Coulshed & Orme, 2006).  Payne (2005) informs that workers use theory within the politics of their daily practice to offer accountability to manager, politicians, clients and the public.  In addition, he explains that theory does this by describing acceptable practice sufficiently to enable social work activities to be checked to see that they are appropriate.

Payne (2005) also highlights that because social work is practical action in a complex world, a theory or perspective must offer a model of explicit guidance and must be based on evidence about what is valid and effective and therefore suggesting that a model should be backed by explanatory theory.  

CASE STUDY: NG

NG was a 65-year old man who had no history of severe health problems until, just after Christmas, he suffered a substantial fall at home and broke his hip in three places. Prior to this fall, NG was a socially and physically active individual, with many community interests and a series of active hobbies include bicycle riding, ballroom dancing and bowls. The fall was atypical, since it involved him tripping at the top of the stairs and falling all the way down. Since his wife was out at the time, he lay in agony for a few hours before she came home and called an ambulance.

In hospital, NG went through three operations. The first was to re-set the bone; the second was to fit a small metal grip; and the third was related to complications from the first two. Unfortunately, these operations drained NG’s strength to the point that, after three weeks, he developed pneumonia. For around three days, he was on a respirator and his wife was informed that he was not expected to make it through the night. Although he subsequently recovered, those who knew him said that he was ‘not the same man’ after leaving hospital: his activity levels had plummeted and he showed no inclination to leave the house, let alone resume a gentle version of his former activities. He claimed to be in no pain from his hip, although his wife and GP both believed that this was not true. Furthermore, he had begun to argue with his neighbours over trivial matters, and they were coming to view him as a nuisance, raising the possibility of an escalating feud.

When I first encountered NG, he was not very communicative. He has taken to using a wheelchair, although he is able to walk. It was difficult to reconcile this man with the description given by his wife of his lifestyle before the accident. Responses were monosyllabic at best, and it was clear that this was taking a substantial toll on his wife. His GP was of the opinion that NG was ‘feeling sorry for himself’, although a subsequent visit by a different GP resulted in a diagnosis of depression. Medication, in the form of Fluoxetine, was offered to NG, but he dismissed the idea, and the GP advised that there was little that could be done – if he refused to take the medication, that was his choice.

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It was clear that NG was suffering from the traumatic after-effects of his fall, and that this had affected him massively on an emotional level. Physically, although his hip was painful and stiff, he should have been able to resume a moderately active life; instead, he appeared to choose to drift into sedentary habits and to refuse to leave the house. The diagnosis of depression was accepted, and it was noted that NG’s personal hygiene was starting to slip. Furthermore, the effect on his wife was clear, and she appeared frail and distracted now that she was having to ...

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