Community care - Neil Thompson|Sue Thompson

Offering a clear account of some of the key issues underpinning understanding of practice, Community Care argues strongly against forms of practice that are mechanistic and simplistic in their approach to meeting vulnerable people's needs. In place of such a dangerous and dehumanising approach, the authors argue for an informed approach that places people at the heart of the undertaking. The reforms of the early 1990s brought about significant changes in how community care is managed and practised, but with mixed results. This book cannot make up for the inadequacies of the system, but it will help to lay the foundations for good practice in this important area of personal social services. Focusing a great deal on the process of care management, Community Care emphasises the importance of assessing needs and developing a package of care services and other measures to solve problems and promote independence. The broader legal and policy context is clearly set out, putting community care at the forefront of social services for potentially vulnerable groups, such as older or disabled people, people with mental health problems or learning disabilities and so on.