Sundaymail Editor
Dr Christine Peta
SOCIAL CARE is an essential service that helps people of all ages, including persons with disabilities, to undertake their daily living activities.
It does not only mean offering physical assistance, such as helping someone push their wheelchair; it also includes extending emotional and psychosocial support to enhance the well-being of persons with disabilities in need of extra assistance.
The establishment of relationships and fostering of community inclusion lie at the heart of social care, which plays a key role in safeguarding vulnerable persons, including some individuals with disabilities, from abuse and creating environments where they can thrive.
Social care comes in different forms. It includes home-based care; day care services; assisted living communities; and community-based care, which provides support within the broader community, such as support groups for parents of children with disabilities.
Some people argue that there is no need to talk about social care when social work takes care of all the challenges that may be experienced by persons with disabilities within social settings. The reality is that social work and social care are related fields but differ in terms of focus and function.
Social work primarily involves helping individuals, families and communities enhance their well-being and address social issues through advocacy, counselling and support services. It often requires specific qualifications and is linked with mental health, child welfare, community resources, et cetera.
Conversely, social care focuses more on providing direct support and assistance to individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable or need help with daily living activities.
This can include caring for the elderly, some persons with disabilities or those recovering from illness.
Social care roles may not always require formal qualifications to the same extent as social work.
Researchers assert that social care boosts confidence, allowing some persons with disabilities to live with dignity and where possible, maintain as much independence as possible.
In the absence of social care, the risk of experiencing challenges such as isolation and lack of confidence is heightened among some persons with disabilities.
The six principles of social care include care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment.
On care, social care providers need to create environments where persons with disabilities, including children with disabilities, they are dealing with feel valued, respected and supported.
Regarding compassion, it is important to seek to understand another person’s feelings and experiences. Compassionate care builds a sense of trust and connection between the care provider and persons with disabilities receiving care.
A blend of expertise, skills and discernment is important in social care to provide effective and efficient service to persons with disabilities in need.
There is need to make sound decisions to ensure the best possible outcomes for those under social care.
Effective communication is necessary in social care settings to ensure that all parties involved understand information accurately and effectively.
Care providers must be proficient with both verbal and non-verbal communication, such as Sign Language, to build trust, prevent misunderstandings and enhance the overall quality of care.
Courage is also important for addressing challenges and advocating the well-being of persons with disabilities under social care.
Courageous care providers contribute to a culture of advocacy and empowerment.
With life expectancy increasing, there is rising demand for social care services to address the unique obstacles and requirements associated with different phases of life, which may include the occurrence of disabilities due to accidents, illness or other factors.
Social care plays a key role in our society. It has the potential to transform the lives of those who rely on such care, including some persons with disabilities.
There is need to promote training programmes in social care and develop associated policies.
Dr Christine Peta is a disability, public health, policy, international development and research expert. She can be contacted on:
Online Reporter