Social Exclusion Case Study

Referring back to this case study, Ann suffers from social exclusion, which initially leads to discrimination; social exclusion is defined as the networks between social stratification and other dissections such as gender, age, sexuality and ethnicity are complex. Social inequalities are interpreted and focus on genderism, ageism, racism and sexism. Each exclusion and discriminative behavior from society can reduce life chances and promotes poor practices with relation to access of social as well as health and social care opportunities (Scott, 2006:pp27). The Social Exclusion Unit agrees that social exclusion is a consequence when a combination of linked issues i.e. unemployment, low income and poor housing (Cabinet Office, 2004:pp2: DSS, 1999,
They then go on to comment that disengagement in inevitable to aging individuals and is a natural process to give up work and is seen as a mutual withdrawal from both the individual and society. Bromley then agrees by citing that the disengagement theory looks at how the individuals decline in body and mind, which reduces their need in society (Powell, 2000:pp2). Unfortunately, older people are found to suffer from ageism (age related discrimination) as the older a person gets they are at a higher risk of being refused simple treatments or surgery that could prevent them from disengaging from society. According to the Royal College of Surgeons doctors and surgeons have a ‘duty of care’ therefore treatment should not be solely based on age but their current health conditions and on the basis of it being beneficial to the patient especially since the population is living longer (London Evening Standard, 2012: Rawlinson, 2014). Whilst Ann is suffering from social exclusion, in her current state she is categorised into the disengagement theory and by few multi-agencies is an individual who is preparing herself for inevitable death, which in contemporary society rules against the person-centered approach which currently leads healthcare across the
It is essential that Ann is referred to specific professionals from her General Practitioners (GP) to enable her to overcome these impairments to be able to live an independent live as suggested in the medical model (Cunningham and Cunningham, 2008:pp67). Firstly, the GP would refer Ann to see an Ophthalmologist; this is a physician who specialises in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visuals as well as focusing on preventing disease in the eye and injuries. Depending on the findings from the Ophthalmologist she may need care from either the Ophthalmologist or the Optometrists. An Optometrist focuses on visual care and treats sight impairments with spectacles, contact lenses and eye exercises (Djo.harvard.edu, 2002). The suited practitioner would treat Ann and see if her sight impairment is severe enough to be registered as a blind individual (Rnib.org.uk, 2015). Ann would receive support and assistance from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (a registered charity) who would offer her emotional support if needed to help cope with her sight impairments along with reading choices whether this be in audio, braille, or large print. However, this support depends on the severity of her impairment and if it would promote further