An overview of the social work profession that introduces many of the terms, concepts, people and critical events that have shaped the profession are presented. The role of the National Association of Social Workers and the Council on Social Work Education in maintaining and strengthening the social work education and standards is examined. Students learn to recognize the importance of human service agencies in fostering or diminishing the quality of services provided and have some empathy for what it is like to be poor or to experience the impact of institutional racism, sexism or ageism. The legislative origins of social policies affecting the aging are analyzed. Resources and services for the aging are surveyed.
Emphasis is placed on fostering independent living.
The biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging are presented. The objective of the course is to provide a framework for implementing a comprehensive psychosocial diagnosis within a family context and social work intervention based on an understanding of the aged persons, the family, the community and institutional environments. The course will address the issues of wellness as well as the many illnesses likely to affect the aging. Medical, dental and nursing services are evaluated from an institutional and a community basis. The concepts of home support services and home health care services are studied.