An Example of Qualitative Research in Social Work with Older People: The History of Social Work in Old People’s Homes in Slovenia

Social work with older people deals with improving their capacity and ability to face and resolve problems, and with raising awareness and encouraging their environment to maintain relational networks. Based on research regarding social work with older people this paper presents the historical aspect of older people’s position within the development of institutional care for older people in Slovenia. The paper attempts to show some characteristics of care in institutions for older people in a historical perspective, considering the introductory description of older people’s position in modern society, some characteristics of the (total) institution and a definition of the specifics of social work with older people. In the past the mission of the social worker in old people’s homes was exclusively conceived on the basis of their relationship with the residents. Today, it is the administrative function that is more in the foreground. Regardless of the deviations seen in today’s mission of social work as compared to the past, individual work with residents has always been and remains its characteristic today. Social workers help residents adapt to life in the home and the new institutional environment. They ensure that every individual’s maximum abilities are considered, help solve the residents’ problems, function as mediators in conflicts between the residents, and between the residents and staff. Therefore, social workers are expected to have certain abilities and characteristics and in order to be able to carry out quality work they need to participate in continuing education.