Social Work 530
SOWK 530: Social Work with Older Adults
Credit Hours: (3)
Instructional Method : Online
Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Social Work.
Cross-Listed : SOWK 430
Catalog Description
This course will focus on integrating knowledge of human behavior and aging with specific social work practice skills needed when working with older adults and their families. Major areas to be discussed include: understanding age-related changes from a biopsychosocial perspective, assessment and differential diagnosis, empirically- supported interventions, abuse prevention, caregiving, end of life care, aging in place, and the role of social workers in supporting older adults and their families.
Content
Biopsychosocial perspectives on aging
Assessment and differential diagnosis
Interventions for depression, anxiety, and dementia
Substance abuse in later life
Identifying and preventing elder abuse
Advanced care planning and end-of-life care
Spirituality in later life
Family caregiving
Grandparenting
Aging in place and the continuum of long-term care
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Online course using instructional strategies including self-paced instruction, use of audio-visual materials, case studies, lectures, student presentations.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will develop an understanding of age related changes using a biopsychosocial perspective.
2. Students will develop assessment skills specific to the aging population and gain an understanding of differential diagnosis of cognitive and emotional problems in older adults.
3. Students will gain an understanding of empirically supported intervention approachs with older adults and their families.
4. Students will apply theoretical perspectives to assessment and intervention with older adults and their families.
5. Students will understand the role of various agencies and services in meeting the needs of older adults and their families.
Assessment Measures
Weekly discussion boards
Quizzes
Research paper and presentation
Other Course Information
Required Textbook:
Mcinnis-Dittrich, K. (2020). Social Work with Older Adults: A Biopsychsocial Approach to Assessment and Intervention . Pearson Education Inc.
Films:
Dwyer, A.& Vizza, J. (2014). Nine to Ninety [Film]. New Day Films.
Herbes-Sommers, J. (Director) (2017). Coming of Age in Aging America: Exploring the Social Impacts of Population Aging [Film] . American Public Television.
Makley, M. (Director) (2014). Aging Matters [TV series]. Nashville, TN: PBS.
Rossato-Bennett, M. (Director). (2014) Alive Inside [Film]. Retrieved from https://tubitv.com/movies/516708/alive_inside?utm_source=google- feed& tracking=google-feed
Reviewed and approved
June, 2023