Lecture: 4 hours/week
Lecture
Presentations
Small group discussion
Guest speakers
Course content will be guided by research, empirical knowledge and best practices. The following values and principles, consistent with professional standards, inform course content:
- The aging population in Canada and elsewhere makes it essential that social workers are competent working with older adults.
- Older adults have meaningful contributions to make in society. Families and communities are enriched by the involvement of older adults.
- Cultural humility is a required skill when working with older adults from diverse backgrounds.
- Effective social workers are committed to fostering the health, well-being, empowerment and self-determination of older adults.
- Social work is committed to dispelling common myths about aging.
- Effective social workers are aware of their own values with respect to aging, spirituality and death.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. State issues related to the demographics of aging, including: the historical and current aging patterns in Canada and other countries and the challenges and benefits of a large aging population on a society.
2. Describe the impact of different factors on aging, including gender, sexual orientation, culture and ethnicity, spiritual and/or religious beliefs.
3. Define caregiver burnout and demonstrate how social workers can provide support to families.
4. Identify and define key legislation protecting older adults, with a focus on safeguarding them from abuse and neglect. Additionally, explain the dynamics of abuse and neglect, including self-neglect, and outline social work interventions for addressing cases of abuse or neglect.
5. Describe types of housing for older adults including challenges to accessibility and affordability, as well as the challenges of transitioning from independent to dependent living.
6. Describe considerations and approaches to working with older adults and their families from diverse cultural groups, including the application of anti-oppressive practice.
7. Discuss the unique experiences of Indigenous older adults, including considerations for housing, medical care/hospitalization, access to culturally appropriate support and services.
Evaluations will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College Evaluation Policy and will include both formative and summative components. Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in a course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the instructor’s course outline. Typical means of assessment may include some or all of the following:
- Written papers
- Exams
- Presentations (individual or group)
- Attendance
- Participation
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester. Example texts may include:
McInnis-Dittrick, K. (Current edition). Social Work with Older Adults: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Assessment and Intervention. Pearson.
None
None
Nil