Supporting Older People Using Attachment-Informed and Strengths-Based Approaches

Imogen Blood is a qualified social worker with experience in research and policy on older people's housing, care and support. She is the Director of Imogen Blood & Associates Ltd., in Manchester, UK.Lydia Guthrie is a qualified social worker and systemic practitioner who specialises in applying attachment theory in social work and mental health settings. She is Co-Director at Change Point Learning Ltd., and is based in Oxford, UK.

Applying attachment theory to close relationships in later life is still a neglected topic (I say that with some experience because it was the subject of my PhD, and it was just as neglected then). This book goes a long way to stress the importance of recognising that attachment processes carry on until the end of life, when the loss of key attachment figures is more and more frequent. By introducing 'strength-based' and other contemporary ideas closely connected with attachment theory and research the authors have produced a very relevant and readable volume for practitioners from all disciplines.

• 1. Supporting Older People in a 'Strengths-Based' Way. 2. Introduction to Attachment Theory. 3. Working with the Whole Family. 4. What Makes a Good Life in Care? 5. Maintaining Connections and Interests. 6. Positive Risk-taking. 7. Supporting Loss and Preparing for End-of-Life. 8. Reflective Supervision and Staff Well-being.