Normalisation: the new orthodoxy in human services?

Abstract

Provision of services and accommodation for elderly people is a controversial and value-laden activity - something which has caused providers, researchers, policy makers, and elderly people themselves considerable anguish. As yet, there are no clear and unambiguous solutions to the problems identified, nor in fact, is there much agreement on what are the real problems. The purpose of this article is to open a necessary, balanced debate - a debate which has so far eluded policy makers in their search for appropriate and equitable models of care that can enhance the quality of life of older people in Australia. In particular, we focus on issues pertinent to the residential care sector.