The practice guidance from the Department of Health states, The rationale for this reorganisation is the empowerment of users and carers. Instead of users and carers being subordinate to the wishes of service providers, the roles will be progressively adjusted. In this way, users and carers will be enabled to exercise the same power as consumers of other services. (DOH 1991 P9). Critically discuss this statement in relation to community care policy and service provision. Illustrate with examples from practice where possible.

The statement above is an ongoing issue and debate within social work care practice about whether; service users are able to be empowered as well as exercise their rights in choice.  By recognising the dilemma, and acknowledging the possible conflict and how best practice allows social work professionals to be aware of these dilemmas.  This also helps to find a balance to see both sides between these possible conflicting issues / dilemmas in social work practice.

For the purpose of this paper I will be looking at older people with dementia, the paper will then go on to examine the aims of social work practice with regards to empowerment and how service users rights in choice is not fully facilitated in regards to service provision….(short extract)