‘Being that hopeful person’: the contribution of social workers to older people’s well-being

Drawing on the findings of research in adult teams in two local authorities in England, this article examines what social workers with older people do, how this contributes to older people’s well-being, and the impact of the social and organizational context of practice. Researchers observed social workers in their practice, interviewed social workers, older people, family carers, and other workers, analysed older people’s records, and examined social workers’ calendars. Framework analysis was used to chart the data in relation to social work capabilities, well-being outcomes for older people, and contextual influences. The article illustrates key findings with reference to examples drawn from social workers’ practice with three older people and family carers. It then discusses three cross-cutting themes: rights and risks; therapeutic engagement; and navigating boundaries. We conclude that the complexity and value of social work with older people need greater recognition, and we argue for changes that allow social work time to be deployed where it has most impact, that is, in direct work with older people and their families.