Holistic care

Objective The aim of this paper is to report on the findings of a consultation project exploring demand for mental health related complementary therapy services in the local area.

This paper addresses a number of issues concerning the future prospects for social work and mental health in England and the implications of these for social work education. In particular the significance of interprofessional practice and education will be examined and these will be located within the wider context of the social work contribution to mental health services. The experience of social work in promoting the interests and involvement of service users and carers and of working within a holistic model will also be recognised.

The range of government initiatives which involve carers is extremely broad, with the National Carers Strategy alone containing over 70 pledges. The Strategy takes a holistic approach, referring to almost every aspect of a carer's life from transport to work, from care to housing and from pensions to health. The breadth of issues covered in the Strategy means that it can make only passing reference to significant policy initiatives. This article explores these care, work and cash initiatives to examine in more depth whether this apparent coherence stand up to closer scrutiny.

This article canvases the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and proposes a holistic support regime for patients, carers and families.  The development of services for Alzheimer's patients and their families in the Nelson Mandela Metropole since 1991 is outlined.  Based on the expressed needs of families of AD sufferers specific support systems were identified, fund raising undertaken and projects initiated to offer respite to those in need of assistance.  The article offers insights into the nature and treatment of AD and how, based on a query from a single family, a syst