SW 620 - Gerontological Social Work

Aging service participants provide a unique practice focus for social workers. Gerontological social work examines the growing role for autonomous social work practice in working with elderly individuals and their families. This course provides examination of the literature with focus on theory and research, personal and family transitions, experiences in mid-to-late life and their impact on adults and their family relationships. Students review current policies relating to assisting elders to “age-in-place” and maintain quality of life and social well-being in the least restrictive environment possible. The learning in this course will be closely aligned with the practice experiences in the field setting. Students gain a fuller understanding for programs and policies such as the Older American’s Act, Medicare, Medicaid and various other issues relating to Elder Law. This course assesses Social Work EPAS competencies 1,3,5,8.
Credits: 3