ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses social services' contribution to reducing the experience of depression among older people from individual support and casework to development of community well-being. It aims to relate the tasks and roles of social workers and social care workers with those of others working in professional roles. The chapter moves from discussion of the role of social work and social care's roles in assessment and care management to consider wider public agendas around mental health in later life. One overarching theme is that social workers and social care staff are pivotal in providing support for many older people with depression, but that practice is variable and practitioners often lack confidence, resources and support for themselves. The extent of depression among older care home residents is high, estimated to affect up to 40% of older people who live in care homes.
