ABSTRACT
Expertise in managing the complex, multi-faceted issues in aged care is a requirement for most social workers in health-based positions. Social workers play an important role in ensuring the rights of older people in hospital are upheld and in facilitating the continued independence and wellbeing of older people with changing health needs in the community. The interrelationship between changing social structures and complex care and health needs creates challenges for the health and aged care sectors. A key role for Australian governments is the provision of health care services. Major reform of the aged care sector followed the review of the health sector by the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission in 2009. Providing quality care is more than simply meeting basic needs. The aged care sector depends heavily on the capacity of carers providing support. Disability and old age does not equate to incompetency or incapacity to make decisions.
