Examining the critically reflective approach and the use of self in practice with older adults living with mental ill-health

Abstract

The following advanced practicum document reviews my social work practice experience on both the In-Patient Psychogeriatric Unit as well as the Out-Patient Geriatric Behaviour Response Team within Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) hospital in Owen Sound, Ontario. Through the course of this practicum I was able to engage in various direct practice and assessment opportunities within both a medical and community setting. Through these opportunities I was able to engage in critical reflective practice and examine my use of self within a therapeutic setting with older adults, living with dementia. A comprehensive literature appraisal was conducted in order to demonstrate the rationale and increased need for working with the older adult population. As well, it highlighted the role that critical reflection of self plays within ethical social work practice, and details the positive and challenging nature in engaging in this form of reflective practice. This document goes on to detail various aspects of my advanced practicum experiences and the opportunities I was afforded at GBHS. During my time with both the in-patient and outpatient teams, I was able to work within a multidisciplinary, medical team setting. This in turn, provided complex and unique lenses in relation to my practice reflections and the various dynamics of power between professional roles as well as with client and their families. Lastly this document reflects on my own personal journey through the course of this advanced practicum and how it in turn has enhanced my personal life, social work practice and clinical assessment skills.