Which model of human service delivery is the oldest and focuses on illnesses as conditions to be treated?

The medical model is recognized as the oldest approach to human service delivery, primarily focusing on identifying and treating illnesses as specific conditions. This model operates under the belief that illness is a deviation from the normal biological state and emphasizes diagnosis, treatment, and the management of symptoms through medical interventions. It views patients largely as recipients of care who need to be managed by healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of medical expertise and interventions in handling health issues.

In contrast, the community model emphasizes social aspects and community involvement in health and well-being rather than individual pathology. The health and wellness model broadens the perspective to incorporate preventative measures and holistic approaches but does not specifically target the treatment of illnesses as the medical model does. The person-centered model focuses on tailoring services to an individual's personal preferences, needs, and goals, fostering empowerment and autonomy. While these models contribute significantly to human services, the medical model’s foundational premise of treating specific illnesses distinctly identifies it as the earliest and most traditional in the spectrum of health care approaches.