Negotiating relationship contexts in gerontological social work practice.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to demonstrate the role of social workers in addressing the complex relationship and problem solving contexts typical of practice in multi-service geriatric care settings.


METHODS
We conducted a thematic analysis of the work of five social workers with five clients, their families, and the professional healthcare team, and extracted common themes across cases that illustrate the nature and timing of the interventions depending on the relationship context addressed.


RESULTS
While there were problems and issues common across relationship contexts, intervention strategies that were essential for optimizing client care and wellbeing were specific to resolving relationship conflicts in one or more of the identified relationship contexts.
Marziali
Elsa
E
University of Toronto and Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, KLARU, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M6A 2E1, Canada. elsa.marziali@utoronto.ca
Brcko
Cindy
C
Climans
Renee
R
Consky
Arlene
A
Munro
Mona
M
Tafler
Melissa
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D017008:Negotiating; D009864:Ontario; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012947:Social Work / Q000379:methods*