The issues associated with an ageing population pose substantial challenges for governments globally. Social workers are well suited to respond to the challenges of this demographic change. However, there is a severe shortage of social workers that are skilled in working in this field. This article looks at the ageing demographic transition, how support for the increasing older population will be a problem, and the issues that may impact older people,as well as social workers. How discrimination, culture and ethics inform social work practice, and the legislation and policies that are available for the aged. The article also looks at the knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and models of practice that are used by social workers in working with the older generation.

This article looks at the history of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) classification system, its role and limitations, while making comparisons and contrasts to Recovery philosophies in relation to elderly dementia from a social work perspective. It was found that the clinician, caregiver and patient can all play a role in Recovery, and while not comparable the DSM complements psychosocial models of Recovery. It was also found that with the diversification and expansion of an increasing ageing population, gerontological social workers will need to modify and adapt practice skills and interventions as changes in evidence-based practices of Recovery and the DSM are disseminated at a faster rate.

This article looks at the history of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) classification system, its role and limitations, while making comparisons and contrasts to Recovery philosophies in relation to elderly dementia from a social work perspective. It was found that the clinician, caregiver and patient can all play a role in Recovery, and while not comparable the DSM complements psychosocial models of Recovery. It was also found that with the diversification and expansion of an increasing ageing population, gerontological social workers will need to modify and adapt practice skills and interventions as changes in evidence-based practices of Recovery and the DSM are disseminated at a faster rate.