Social Work With Older People – Reducing Suicide Risk: a Critical Review of Practice and Prevention

A critical interpretive synthesis review that emphasises practitioner perspectives reveals 3 problems: a scarcity of research that takes a system-wide approach to suicide prevention in later life; a dearth of evidence about the social work contribution to reducing the risk of suicide in later life; & a noticeable absence of reference to social work practice in national guidelines for mental health practitioners. This article suggests that emphasis should be given to guideline development & to improving suboptimal care & support. These actions would use social work skills in opening channels of communication between other professionals, communicating with carers, advocating on behalf of individuals with mental health problems; & offering acceptable & accessible support. (73 refs.) JA