Interview as an important part of social work in homes for the elderly

Population ageing in the Czech Republic and efforts to meet the widest spectrum of needs of clients of the homes for the elderly are currently very live. This thesis deals with the role of the conversation in a social work in the homes for the elderly. The main goal of this thesis is to show how some of the needs of the elderly could be met through the interview with a social worker. In the first part, the elders' lives changes are described, specific needs and tasks comming with the advanced age are identified and basic principles and aspects of communication are explained. In the second part of the thesis, the homes for the elderly are defined according to the law 108/2006 Sb. This part also describes the propperties of these homes and considers the purport of moving/placing the elderly there. Moreover, it presents the main principles of the interview with the client of the home for the elderly. Last part of this thesis is dedicated to a discussion of limits and other aspects of this kind of interview. Being aware of all the changes, specific needs and other tasks that come with the advanced age as much as of the basic principles of the communication with the elderly, the interview can become a very effective instrument for meeting the clients' needs