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Building social inclusion for rural older people using information and communication technologies: perspectives of rural practitioners
- Authors:
- WARBURTON Jeni, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Australian Social Work, 67(4), 2014, pp.479-494.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The literature identifies rural, older people as at risk of social exclusion, as a result of rural disadvantage. In this context, improved access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) has potential to build social inclusion, yet current evidence shows that rural, older people are the lowest current users of technology. This paper draws on the practice and local knowledge of rural practitioners from one Victorian region in order to explore: (a) the practice issues associated with ICT use among rural, older people; and (b) the characteristics of effective practice models in the rural, social work context. An analysis of findings highlights the need to respond to the diverse skills, needs, and learning styles of older people, to demonstrate the benefits of ICTs, involve users, and build confidence. Major barriers include poor ICT usage by many rural agencies and low practitioner capacity, as well as access and resources. (Publisher abstract)
Older adult and family member perspectives of the decision-making process involved in moving to assisted living
- Authors:
- KOENIG Terry L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Qualitative Social Work, 13(3), 2014, pp.335-350.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The decision to move into assisted living (AL) can be viewed as a life-changing process for older adults and their families; and each may possess differing views of this process. This qualitative study examined the AL decision-making process as described by twenty-two older adult and family member dyads. Participants described emotional and logistical components related to the AL moving decision. Further, fifteen of twenty-two dyads expressed conflicting or differing views of the AL moving decision. Our discussion examines the need for future studies to explore the impact of family and older adult disagreements on the older adult’s AL adjustment; the necessity for community-based agencies and AL settings to provide social services over the duration of the decision-making process; and the importance of employing social workers skilled in family practice in the AL setting. (Publisher abstract)
Critical educational gerontology: what has it got to offer social work with older people?
- Author:
- HAFFORD-LETCHFIELD Trish
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 17(3), 2014, pp.433-446.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Critical educational gerontology argues for a moral goal of learning in later life to develop alternative visions for democratic social change whereby older people are empowered to resist and overcome various forms of discrimination. If the development of critical consciousness within the older people's social movement is an important precursor to critical action where the self is a key site of politicisation, different approaches will need to be developed and fostered within social work with older people. Adopting a learning and educational approach within practice could facilitate a more liberating approach to achieving sustainable support and emphasise self-directed support. Embedding older people's experiences within a critical paradigm recognises the political nature of educational interventions in later life. This paper argues that learning offers a collective and negotiated enterprise with which empowerment could be promoted and older people given more control over their lives in accordance with the core aims of social work. It examines the potential contribution of critical educational gerontology to social work with older people with reference to practice examples and aims to stimulate debate about what is needed to further embed this approach within different models of practice. (Publisher abstract)
Look after yourself: active ageing, individual responsibility and the decline of social work with older people in the UK
- Authors:
- LLOYD Liz, et al
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 17(3), 2014, pp.322-335.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The idea of active ageing retains a broad appeal and has a global reach, particularly through the influence of the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, in practice it has been the subject of criticism. In this article, it is argued that the incorporation of active ageing into the policy agendas of the welfare systems for older people should be understood by reference to the perceived effects of demographic trends on demand for services. In the context of the British welfare system, the active ageing agenda has become inextricably linked with the broader policy agenda to reduce older people's call on public resources in order to manage the increasing proportions of older people in the British population. The implications of these developments for social work are significant. (Publisher abstract)
Social work and intervention with older people in Portugal: a critical point of view
- Author:
- CARVALHO Maria Irene
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 17(3), 2014, pp.336-352.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Even before ageing became a challenge to society, it already was for social work professionals. What interested the social work professionals were the older people who accumulated low incomes, poverty, loneliness, isolation, disease and several outbuildings. The increasing number of older and much older people reconfigured the intervention of professionals in this area. This intervention is in accordance with the policies of the welfare state, based on the rights and human dignity and a paradigm of social development oriented to social cohesion. The professionals are now responsible for older people policies in social and health care areas. The article includes an analysis of the relationship between social work, ageing and policies for older people and some exploratory results obtained through the analysis of relevant documents that allowed us to characterise the field of social work intervention with older people in the social security system and field of social action. This integrated analysis in a context of economic crisis takes a critical perspective on the impacts of reconfiguration policies for the older people and social work in those days. (Publisher abstract)
Relationship between pain and chronic illness among seriously ill older adults: expanding role for palliative social work
- Authors:
- MORRISSEY Mary Beth, VIOLA Deborah, SHI Qiuhu
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care, 10(1), 2014, pp.8-33.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia
Confronting the issue of pain among chronically ill older adults merits serious attention in light of mounting evidence that pain in this population is often undertreated or not treated at all (Institute of Medicine, 201126. Institute of Medicine . ( 2011 ). Relieving pain in America: A blueprint for transforming prevention, care, education and research . Washington, DC : National Academies Press . The relationship between pain and chronic illness among adults age 50 and over was examined in this study through the use of longitudinal data from the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging and the Social Security Administration. Findings suggested positive associations between pain and chronic disease, pain and multimorbidity, as well as an inverse association between pain and education. Policy implications for workforce development and public health are many, and amplification of palliative social work roles to relieve pain and suffering among seriously ill older adults at all stages of the chronic illness trajectory is needed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Austerity, personalisation and older people: the prospects for creative social work practice in England
- Author:
- LYMBERY Mark
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 17(3), 2014, pp.367-382.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
In common with other European countries population ageing in England creates particular problems for social care and social work. This is exacerbated by the continuing financial crisis, which has led to an unprecedented assault on the resources needed to maintain older people within the community. At the same time, a policy of ‘personalisation’ is being introduced within social care that is intended to change the nature and balance of services. The effect of financial cuts means that there is substantially less money to respond to people's needs, despite the demographic changes that indicate there will be an increasing number of vulnerable older people in society. As a result the need for stringent rationing of resources will continue to be a priority, as it has been for many years. This has particular implications for the development of social work practice with older people: there are distinct possibilities that it will reduce in size and scale. This is despite the international recognition that has been given to the specific circumstances of older people, as well as social work's commitment to challenge injustice. If the needs of older people in England are to be more effectively addressed the implications of these factors needs to be considered and strategies for the full engagement of social workers within them need to be agreed. (Publisher abstract)
“They just don’t have a clue”: transgender aging and Implications for social sork
- Author:
- SIVERSKOG Anna
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 57(2-4), 2014, pp.386-406.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This article explores transgender ageing, drawing from life story interviews with transgender adults aged 62–78. The analysis focuses on 3 themes: intersections of age and gender during the life course, lack of knowledge of transgender issues, and how previous experiences of accessing care and social services matter in later life. It illustrates how older transgendered adults carry physical and mental scars from previously encountered transphobia, which affect various aspects of later life. Implications for social work are discussed and client-centred care, with a biographical approach, is suggested to better meet the needs of transgendered older adults. (Edited publisher abstract)
Breaking barriers and building bridges: understanding the pervasive needs of older LGBT adults and the value of social work in health care
- Authors:
- ERDLEY Shiloh D., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 57(2-4), 2014, pp.362-385.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Given the rise in the ageing population and the increased use of health care services, there is a demand for awareness and training that targets underserved populations such as older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults. Older LGBT adults are 5 times less likely to access health care and social services (King, 2009). Ethically responsible health service delivery is needed to capitalise on the strengths and capabilities of older LGBT adults and is vital for combating existing health disparities. Social workers aim to prevent ongoing gaps in care for older LGBT adults that can lead to negative individual and social consequences. (Edited publisher abstract)
Assessing the efficacy of LGBT cultural competency training for aging Services providers in California’s Central Valley
- Authors:
- LEYVA Valerie L., BRESHEARS Elizabeth M., RINGSTAD Robin
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 57(2-4), 2014, pp.335-348.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study reviews the outcomes of a cultural competency training for aging services providers regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Results indicate that participants significantly increased their knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes about working with LGBT older adults, with men and non-LGBT individuals reporting the most gain. Recommendations for future research include determining which factors influence the enduring effects of this type of training and developing a standardized instrument for measuring such success. Legislative and policy changes targeted at requiring this type of cultural competency training for all direct service providers are considered. (Publisher abstract)