SW 624 - Social Work and the Aging: Research and Practice

3 Credit(s)

Social work with older adults is one of the fastest growing areas of practice in the 21st century. The graying of the baby boomer generation combined with improved medical technology has led an overwhelming number of individuals into the “third age.” Despite the staggering demographic figures and future needs of the “senior boom,” there continues to be a paucity of social work students interested in practice and research with older adults. This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the field of gerontological social work practice from a research, clinical, and biopsychosocial perspective. Students completing this course are prepared to work with older adults and their informal/formal support systems. They are also prepared to use qualitative methods for the purpose of evaluating efficacy of practice interventions and building knowledge. The content includes theories of aging; biological, physical, and social changes; psychosocial adjustments to later life; conducting a biopsychosocial/research assessment; differential assessment and diagnosis; social work interventions and evaluation of their effectiveness; use of evidence-based practice; addictive disorders; suicide prevention; groups work; spirituality; ethics, dying, bereavement, and advanced directives. Research instruction in qualitative methods and single-system design is interwoven throughout the course. The requirement of conducting a life story research project or focus group is used to emphasize the critical relationship between gerontological social work, human behavior, and research.
Prerequisite(s): SW 520