Citation

Manthorpe J, Iliffe S. Br. J. Soc. Work 2011; 41(1): 131-147.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/bjsw/bcq117

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Although suicide remains an uncommon event among older people in most developed countries, suicide rates do increase with age, mainly accounted for by the higher incidence among older men. A critical interpretive synthesis review that emphasises practitioner perspectives reveals three problems: (i) a scarcity of research that takes a system-wide approach to suicide prevention in later life; (ii) a dearth of evidence about the social work contribution to reducing the risk of suicide in later life; and (iii) a noticeable absence of reference to social work practice in national guidelines for mental health practitioners. This absence of social work services from studies about later life suicide arises partly from concentration on medical, nursing and psychological literature and partly from the use of a hierarchy of evidence that grades research by quality of the science and stands to miss accounts of practice, let alone the experiences of older people. This article suggests that emphasis should be given to guideline development, and to improving sub-optimal care and support. These actions would use social work skills in opening channels of communication between other professionals; communicating with carers; advocating on behalf of individuals with mental health problems; and offering acceptable and accessible support. © 2010 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

suicide; older people; social care; social work