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Times of transition: elder abuse and neglect in Israel
- Authors:
- LOWENSTEIN Ariela, DORON Israel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 20(2), 2008, pp.181-206.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Israel, like other advanced countries, is ageing but there was no real awareness of elder abuse as a problem until the late 1980s when a joint US-Israeli conference took place in Israel. Research studies followed, but many have been small scale and although more systematic surveys have been conducted in recent years, comprehensive empirical data are still lacking. Intervention developments, largely driven by Eshel (the Association for the Planning and Development of Services for the Aged in Israel) and by relevant ministries, are outlined and legal developments summarised. Future challenges include the need for more research, better multi-disciplinary coordination between agencies with a role in responding to elder abuse, changes to remove paternalism from the legislative framework, the involvement of older people themselves in the debate on abuse, and the provision of proper resources for elder abuse initiatives. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
The effect of educational interventions on willingness to work with older adults: a comparison of students of social work and health professions
- Authors:
- EVEN-ZOHAR Ahuva, WERNER Shoshi
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 63(1-2), 2020, pp.114-132.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The study examined the effect of an educational intervention on the willingness of Israeli social work students to work with older adults, comparing them to students of nursing, speech therapy, and physiotherapy. A sample of 187 first-year students were divided into two groups: a research group (n=83) exposed to an educational intervention on ageing, and a control group (n=104) that received no intervention of any kind. Following the intervention, ageism among social work students in the research group decreased and positive behaviour toward older adults increased. No significant differences were found among students of the health professions following the intervention. In addition, ageism mediated between knowledge of ageing and willingness to work with older adults.Furthermore, the higher the students assessed the contribution of the intervention, the lower their level of ageism, the more positive their behaviour toward older adults, and the more willing they were to consider a career in geriatrics. The results suggest that introducing into the curriculum a variety of learning methods aimed at increasing knowledge of ageing and familiarity with the world of older adults is likely to encourage more students of social work and other therapeutic professions to work with the older population. (Edited publisher abstract)
Interventions for older persons reporting memory difficulties: a randomized controlled pilot study
- Authors:
- COHEN-MANSFIELD Jiska, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 30(5), 2015, p.478–486.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective: The objective of this study is to compare three different interventions for persons who report memory difficulties: health promotion, cognitive training, and a participation-centred course, using a single-blind, randomized controlled design. Methods: Participants were 44 Israeli adults with memory complaints, aged 65 years or older. The main outcome variable was the Global Cognitive Score assessed using the MindStreams® mild cognitive impairment assessment, a computerised cognitive assessment. The Mini-Mental State Examination and the self-report of memory difficulties were also utilised. To assess well-being, the UCLA Loneliness Scale-8 was used. Health was evaluated by self-report instruments. Results: All three interventions resulted in significant improvement in cognitive function as measured by the computerised cognitive assessment. All approaches seemed to decrease loneliness. The only variable which showed a significant difference among the groups is the self-report of memory difficulties, in which the cognitive training group participants reported greater improvement than the other groups. Conclusion: Multiple approaches should be offered to older persons with memory complaints. The availability of diverse options would help fit the needs of a heterogeneous population. An educational media effort to promote the public's understanding of the efficacy of these multiple approaches is needed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Social workers’ reflections on the therapeutic encounter with elder abuse and neglect
- Authors:
- GOLDBLATT Hadass, BAND-WINTERSTEIN Tova, ALON Sarah
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 33(20), 2018, pp.3102-3124.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The aim of this qualitative study was to explore social workers’ reflections on their experience of the therapeutic encounter with victims and perpetrators of elder abuse and neglect. The research questions were as follows: How do social workers tune themselves toward the therapeutic encounter with elder abuse? How do they position themselves vis-a-vis the clients? How do social workers describe the meaning of the intervention both for the clients and for themselves? What is the added value of the therapeutic encounter in this field for the social workers? Participants were 17 experienced women social workers, who worked with abusers and with abused and neglected older adults in Israel. Data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews, which were later transcribed and content analysed. Two main themes emerged from the findings, emphasising two key aspects of the social workers’ reflective process experienced during the therapeutic encounter: (a) focus on the client: “This is the journey of their lives”—reflection on the therapeutic “journey”; (b) focus on the social worker’s inner and professional world: “‘There is nothing to be done’ is no longer in my vocabulary”—a personal and professional maturation process. The social workers expressed a positive attitude toward their elder clients. A unique dialogue developed in the therapeutic encounter, whereby the social workers considered any change as valuable if it allowed the elders a sense of control and self-worth, whereas the social workers were enriched by the elders’ life experience, and matured both personally and professionally. Thus, both sides benefited from this reciprocal relationship. Implications for further research and practice are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Retirement preparation programs: an examination of retirement perceptions, self-mastery, and well-being
- Authors:
- COHEN-MANSFIELD Jiska, REGEV Irit
- Journal article citation:
- Research on Social Work Practice, 28(4), 2018, pp.428-437.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Purpose: This study was designed to examine whether preretirement intervention, through preparation programs conducted by social workers, enhances retirees’ healthy retirement transition, self-mastery, and well-being outcomes. Methods:: Data were gathered at preprogram, postprogram, and at 6-month follow-up. A total of 84 participants filled out pre- and postprogram questionnaires, of which 66 also completed follow-up assessment. Participants were 1–3 months before retirement at preassessment and 4–8 months after retirement at follow-up. Results:: The preretirement program improved participants’ appraisal of retirement and created lower and more realistic expectations of postretirement work prospects. While these variables changed in the expected direction between pre- and postprogram assessment, participants’ scores at follow-up indicated less self-mastery, greater depressed affect, and less positive feelings regarding retirement. Discussion:: The short-term value of retirement programs was supported and revealed the importance of follow-up programs to maintain short-term gains and to address additional long-term developments. (Edited publisher abstract)