Challenges to the implementation of personal advocacy for older adults

Despite the endorsement of advocacy by the social work profession, the implementation of advocacy in community-service situations for vulnerable populations poses a major challenge to practice. The implementation of an advocacy project the purpose of which was to address the community living needs older adults of minority status defined as important to the advancement of their quality of life, is examined. Background on the need for advocacy among minority older persons and advocacy within the context of empowerment is offered, then seven issues social workers should address to ensure the effectiveness and viability of personal advocacy for older adults are discussed. Each implementation issue is examined, the service and practice challenges the issue creates are discussed, and then resolutions that can advance practice in this important area are suggested. Finally, the promise of personal advocacy as a form of prevention at the individual case level of service and the benefits sound implementation can produce for older adults, their families, and social-service systems are considered.