Vulnerable Groups in Health and Social Care

Carefully-researched and highly readable this textbook looks at the experiences and health and social needs of key 'vulnerable groups'. It presents an engaging social science perspective relevant to everyone exploring how we, and society, care for the vulnerable.

Each chapter is self-contained, and defines and explores a vulnerable social group, bringing together theoretical, policy and practice perspectives. The chapters explore contemporary debates and offer a number of differing and thought provoking viewpoints. The lively and interactive style enables the reader to engage with the client group and to reflect upon their own learning and practice in a more meaningful way.

Groups covered include:

Lone parents

Disabled people

Children

Older people

Those living with mental illness

Ethnic minorities

The homeless

Asylum seekers

The chapters support students' learning and help them to develop their understanding across the social sciences. There are suggestions about further study, a glossary of key concepts and optional activities that can also be used by lecturers for workshops and classroom discussions. The book will be invaluable for a wide range of students taking courses across health and social care and for practitioners.