learning activity

Barriers to communication

Through a scenario this resource enables the user to explore the potential barriers to communication that can exist in their everyday work. This resource will allow the understanding of how the following factors that can inhibit, interrupt or confuse the communication between social workers and service users, carers and others: time available; territory (environment and context); role and task; professional identity and use of self.

Understanding Depression in Later Life

The main focus of this learning object is depression amongst older people. The learning object begins by highlighting some of the problems with defining and diagnosing 'depression' and then goes on to discuss the estimated numbers of older people that are thought to suffer from the condition. Issues that make people more or less vulnerable to developing depression in later life are also examined. Finally, effective treatments for depression and explanations for why it so often remains unrecognised in older people is discussed.