SOCW 6111 Week 6 Assessment of the Elderly/Aging

SOCW 6111 Week 6 Assessment of the Elderly/Aging essay assignment

SOCW 6111 Week 6 Assessment of the Elderly/Aging essay assignment

We are an aging society, as evidenced by the number of individuals from the baby boomer generation in the United States (born between 1946 and 1964) who have begun to turn 65. According to the United States Census Bureau (2013), there are more than 41 million Americans who are 65 and older. In Canada, the number of individuals over 65 years of age increased by over 14% between 2006 and 2011, and older adults now account for almost 15% of the entire population of that country (Statistics Canada, 2013). Across the world, populations are rapidly aging and there is a demand to understand the specific needs of this particular group. As with all clients, it is essential to address the concerns of the aging from a strengths and empowerment perspective. The aging are an identified vulnerable population and social workers should be mindful of the long-standing marginalization and oppression this population has experienced. Social workers should work hard to overcome the common prejudices and biases often expressed toward this group. Social workers should be careful to frame the lives and situations of the elderly from a perspective of strength, not deficit, avoiding the pitfall of focusing on loss.

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Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Apply Christ and Diwan’s seven assessment domains to a case study
• Analyze the importance of abuse assessment of the elderly/aging
• Identify prevention/intervention strategies for elder abuse

Learning Resources

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Åhsberg, E., Fahlström, G., Rönnbäck, E., Granberg, A., & Almborg, A. (2017). Development of an instrument for assessing elder care needs. Research On Social Work Practice, 27(3), 291-306.

Christ, G., & Diwan, S. (2008). Chronic illness and aging: The role of social work in managing chronic illness care. Council on social work education.

Harrington, A. (2016). The importance of spiritual assessment when caring for older adults. Ageing And Society, 36(1), 1-16.

Paveza, G. J. (2013). Assessment of the elderly. In M. J. Holosko, C. N. Dulmus, & K. M. Sowers (Eds.), Social work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-informed assessments and interventions (pp. 177–195). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014a). Sessions: case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].
The Petrakis Family (pp. 20–22)

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2013c). Petrakis family: Episode 3 [Video file].

Optional Resources

Use this link to access the MSW home page, which provides resources for your social work program.

Discussion 1: Self-Determination

In the Christ & Diwan (2008) article, the authors list seven domains that social workers should address in order to fully assess an older client’s needs. Each domain is considered equally important. This comprehensive evaluation fits well with the social work perspective that it is important to not only address the internal concerns of clients but also their environment. Making decisions for older adults without their input occurs often. In society people sometimes treat their elders like children—making decisions for them based on what they think is best rather than from the client’s perspective. While at times this may be well intentioned, the potential for infantilism and, in turn, compromised self-determination, occurs.

For this Assessment of the Elderly/Aging Discussion, review the program case study for the Petrakis family. You will focus not on Helen, but on her mother-in-law, Magda. What decisions were made about Magda’s treatment without a formal assessment and/or her input? Consider how Christ & Diwan’s (2008) seven domains relate to Magda’s case. Complete an assessment for Magda and identify the choices that were made without her feedback.

By Day 3

Post a summary of your assessment of Magda’s situation that addresses the seven domains. Fill in the gaps in content as necessary. Describe ways you would have included Magda in the original assessment and treatment plan. Include questions you would have asked Magda and her professional support system (doctors, nurses, etc.) to gain further insight into the situation.

Support your posts with specific references to the Learning Resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

By Day 5

Respond to two colleagues and explain how their assessments support the NASW Code of Ethics (2017). Include two values and/or guiding principles to support your explanation.

Support your responses with specific references to the Learning Resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.