Thinking about Practice

Abstract

Residential work embraces many of the complexities of family living while adding some of its own. Because it is concerned with the whole of an individual’s life it will encompass all the emotions which are a part of living — joy, sorrow, fulfilment and despair. The residential unit must not take responsibility for all these areas for adults must plan their own lives, but staff must be aware that what is termed residential work for them, is residential living for the residents. To carry out their work, staff need knowledge of individuals and groups (from psychology and social psychology), knowledge of the social context in which the individual and the centre are placed (from sociology and social administration), knowledge of the past of the individual, the centre and society. Too often an event is looked at separately from its historical and social context. And without a sense of continuity present practice may be based on avoiding past mistakes rather than on planning for the present. In addition to such knowledge staffalso need an opportunity for intimacy, caring, spontaneity and creativity. Thinking about practice does not mean that feelings must be ignored.