Care of Older People

Dr Sue Thompson has many years’ experience as a nurse, social worker, care manager, practice teacher, distance learning tutor, researcher and writer of working in the field of eldercare. Throughout her career, her passion has been to promote eldercare practice which is driven by a desire on the part of those who support dependent older people to help them to live, as far as is possible, the life they want to be living. This passion inspired her PhD study on reciprocity in old age, where she explored whether a sense of ‘usefulness’ remains important to older people’s self-esteem and spiritual well-being when they become significantly dependent on others, and whether this is recognised by those undertaking assessments of their care needs.

'This manual has long been needed. The care of older people is not only an important topic, but has been a neglected area, both practically and academically. Sue Thompson has produced a compassionate, conceptually sophisticated, and extremely practical approach to eldercare. Her knowledge of the field, conceptual thinking and practical understanding will make this book invaluable for caregivers. It is a must read, a gift to all who will read it. Exceptionally well written, it is filled with stories, practical suggestions, and conceptual backing for the ideas presented. The book offers fresh hope and comfort to those making the journey of life.'Dr Gerry R. Cox - Professor Emeritus of Sociology at University of Wisconsin- La Crosse, USA'This is a long overdue manual which offers a first-class guide to working with elderly people. The concept that older people are people with problems and not the problem is central to the author’s whole approach and is a refreshing change from so much of the literature. I especially like the fact students and workers can study at their own pace and in what order they like but supported by the centrality of reflective practice throughout. This latter element is particularly well designed, demanding that participants think through what are often complex and multi-dimensional issues surrounding eldercare. An excellent resource I heartily endorse.'Dr John Bates, former Head of Social Work & Social Justice, Liverpool Hope University

• Welcome, About the author, Foreword by Professor Jason Powell, Introduction, 1. The older people you support are unique, not just ‘one of the elderly’. 2. The older people you support are multi-dimensional adults, 3. The older people you support are still on a journey through life and not at the end of it, 4. But some of the older people you support might be nearing the end of their journey, 5. The older people you support are people with problems, not problems themselves, 6. The older people you support are capable of giving as well as receiving, 7. The older people you support are likely to be profoundly affected by multiple and cumulative losses, 8. The older people you support are entitled to take risks that you and others may not think are in their best interests, 9. The older people you support are partners in their care arrangements, 10. The older people you support are possibly facing many different challenges, 11. The older people you support are living in the same digital age as you are, 12. The older people you support are able to draw on a range of strengths and resilience factors, Conclusion, Guide to further learning, References. Also by Sue Thompson