engleski

The need for training in palliative care for social workers in care homes for older people in Zagreb

The aim of this study was to gain insight into the challenges faced by social workers employed in homes for older people, particularly in terms of working with dying people and their families, and to examine whether there is a need for education in palliative care. Qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interview. The study involved 10 social workers (all women) employed in state-run care homes for older people (founded by the City of Zagreb municipal authority and situated within the city). Results showed that social workers face on a daily basis the problems of conflict and a lack of cooperation between patients, families and various institutions ; in addition, they suffer from an excessive workload and pressure from clients requiring care-home placement. When working with dying people, they are faced with a variety of problems like personal reactions to death, stress-induced burnout, ignorance, the deceased’s lack of kin and family bereavement. They point out the need for comprehensive training in palliative care. We conclude that it is necessary to create a better working framework for social workers in care homes, and to distinguish general client-based social work from working in palliative care.

Palliative Care; Education; Social Workers; Care Homes; Older People; Everyday Problems; Challenges

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