Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 1

Fordham University GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SERVICE

SWGS 6409, Practice with Older People and Their Families

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course focuses on direct practice with older adults and their families. The course examines

the social context of aging, the aging process, associated changes, and the effects on older

persons and their families. Emphasis is on the nature of support systems and the social work role

in maintaining and enhancing functioning and well being. The role of caregivers when elders are

limited in their capacity to function independently is examined.

This course focuses on social work practice with diverse older persons and their families in a

variety of settings. It examines the nature of the aging process, the ways in which persons adapt

to changes, and the ways in which interventions may assist with these adaptations. Special

emphasis is given to the ways in which physical, social and psychological factors interact to affect how persons age. The needs and issues encountered by older persons both within the

community and in institutional settings will be examined. Work with caregivers will be

considered. Students will examine ways to work with individuals, families, and groups. The

course includes material addressing special populations and ethical issues.

PLACE OF COURSE IN THE CURRICULUM This course is an elective in the clinical concentration.

RELATIONSHIP OF COURSE TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE This course focuses on a population at risk of discrimination across a range of areas. Age

discrimination and stereotyping have a profound impact on society, older adults, and caregivers.

The course underscores the right of all older adults to have opportunities to live the fullest

possible life and access to quality care.

COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:

1) articulate an understanding of the process of aging including physical, cognitive, and social

changes.

2) understand the impact of these changes on older adults and their families.

3) Articulate an understanding of the various ways ageism is manifested and its impact on older

adults, their families, and society

4) identify mental health issues affecting older persons and their families.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 2

5) effectively assess older adults and their families, demonstrating an understanding of strengths

and resilience factors.

6) obtain skills to work effectively with diverse older adults, their families, and caregivers.

7) Identify and consider the best ways to address the needs and concerns of various subgroups

within the older population.

8) identify and evaluate ethical considerations in social work practice with older adults.

9) articulate the role of their personal feelings, attitudes, and values in their practice with older

adults and their families.

READINGS Required Text McInnis-Dittrich, K. (2009). Social Work with Elders: A Biopsychosocial Approach to

Assessment and Intervention., 3rd

Edition, Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Hooyman, N. & Kiyak, H., (2011) Social Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Perspective, 9th

Edition, Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The instructor will determine course assignments. Guided Instruction To successfully complete this course, students are expected to participate in 15 sessions of one hour and

fifty minute class and 10 hours of guided instruction time.

COURSE OUTLINE - Instructors will select readings from those listed below and add additional readings if indicated.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 3

Module 1 Introduction to the course and the field of aging

Description of

module

Description of the course The field of aging The demographics of aging Basic practice issues

Readings Hooyman & Kiyak, Ch.1, The growth of social gerontology.

Nelson,T.D. (2005). Ageism: Prejudice against our feared future self. Journal of

Social Issues 61(2), 207-221.

Shortt, S. (2001). Venerable or vulnerable? Ageism in health care. Journal of

Health Services Research and Policy, 6(1), 1-2.

Module 2 The process of aging: common physical changes and managing illness

Description of

module

Normal physical and biological changes occurring with aging.

Major chronic illnesses and the affects on older persons.

Readings Hooyman & Kiyak, Ch. 3, The social consequences of physical aging

Ch. 4, Managing chronic diseases and promoting well-being in old age

Bagley, M. (1998). Helping older adults to live better with hearing and vision

loss. Journal of Case Management. 7(4), 147-152.

Bryant, L., Beck, A. and Fairclough, D. (2000) Factors that contribute to positive

perceived health in an older population, Journal of Aging and Health, 12, 160-

192.

Kopes-Kerr, C. (2004). Health promotion in later life. In L.M. Tepper & T.M.

Cassidy (Eds.) Multidisciplinary perspectives on aging (pp.126-141). NY:

Springer.

Lustbader, W. (1991). Counting on kindness: The dilemmas of dependency. NY:

Free Press.

Nguyen, D. (2012). The effects of sociocultural factors on older Asian

Americans’ access to care. Journam of Gerontological Social Work, 55(1), 55-

71.

Rubin, R.H. (2004). Medical Care of the Elderly. In L.M. Tepper & T.M.

Cassidy (Eds.) Multidisciplinary perspectives on aging (pp.111-126). NY:

Springer.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 4

Module 3 Mental health issues and cognitive changes in later life

Description of

module

Normal cognitive changes occurring with aging.

Maintaining optimum mental health

Mental health issues and older adults

Major mental disorders

Readings Hooyman & Kiyak, Ch.5, Cognitive changes with aging

Ch. 6, Personality and mental health in old age

Abramson, T.A., Trejo, L. & Lai, D. (2002). Culture and mental health:

Providing appropriate services for a diverse older population. Generations,

26(1), 21-27.

Butcher, H. K. & McGonigal-Kenney (2005). Depression and dispiritedness in

later life. American Journal of Nursing, 105(12), 52-61.

Kennedy, G.J. (2004) Major mental disorders of old age. In L.M. Tepper & T.M.

Cassidy (Eds.) Multidisciplinary perspectives on aging (pp.155-172). NY:

Springer.

Maschi. T, Dennis, K.S., Gibson, S., MacMillan, T., Sternberg, S. & Hom, M.

(2011). Trauma and stress among older adults in the criminal justice system: A

review of the literature with implications for social work. Journal of

Gerontological Social Work, 54(4), 390-424.

Perkins, K. & Tice, C. (1995) A strengths perspective in practice: Older people

and mental health challenges, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 23(3/4),

83-96.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 5

Module 4 Resilience in later life; Serving diverse elders

Description of

module

The importance of resilience in aging

Elders of color

The range of practice settings

Readings Hooyman & Kiyak, Ch. 14, The resilience of elders of color

Ch. 15, The resilience of older women

McInnis-Dittrich, Ch 1, The context of social work practice with elders, pp. 10-

18.

Chadiha, L., Adams, P., Phorano, O. Ong, S., Byers, L. (2002) Stories told and

lessons learned from African-American female caregivers’ vignettes for

empowerment practice. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 40 (1/2) 135-

144.

Damon-Rodriguez, J.A. (1998). Respecting ethnic elders: A perspective for care

providers. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 29(2/3), 53-72.

Grief, G.L. (2009). Understanding older men and their male friendships: A

comparison of African American and White men. Journal of Gerontological

Social Work, 52 (6), 618-632.

Lee, E.O. & Chan, K. (2009). Religious/spiritual and other adaptive coping

strategies among Chinese American older immigrants. Journal of

Gerontological Social Work, 52 (5),517-533.

Lewis, J & Harrell, E. (2002). Older adults, in Greene, R. (ed.) Resiliency: An

integrated approach to practice, policy and research. Washington, DC: NASW

Press.

Journal of Gerontological Social Work (2009). Special Issue: Social Work With

Older Immigrants and Their Families. 52(5).

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 6

Module 5 Older adults and their families; Social support

Description of

module

Understanding the older family

Roles of families and other social supports in the lives of older people.

Major roles that older people play as family supports.

Readings Hooyman & Kiyak, Ch 9, The importance of social supports: Family, friends,

and neighbors

Motenko, A.K. & Greenberg, S. (1995). Reframing dependence in old age: A

positive transition for families. Social Work, 40(3), 382-390.

Poindexter, C. (2001). I’m still blessed: The assets and needs of HIV-affected

caregivers over 50. Families in Society, 82(5), 525-536.

Weber, J.A. & Waldrop, D.P. (2000). Grandparents raising grandchildren:

Families in transition. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 33(2), 27-46.

Module 6 Assessment

Description of

module

Conducting a biopsychosocial assessment

Identifying strengths

Identifying areas of concern

Readings McInnis-Dittrich, Ch. 4, Conducting a biopsychosocial assessment

Ch. 5, Differential assessment and diagnosis of cognitive and emotional

problems of older adults

Anderson, K.A., Fields, N.L., & Dobb, L.A. (2011). Understanding the Impact

of Early-Life Trauma in Nursing Home Residents. Journal of Gerontological

Social Work, 54, 755–767.

Kivnik, H.Q. & Murray, S.V. (2001). Life strengths interview guide: Assessing

elder clients strengths. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 34(4), 7-31.

Ortiz, L.P.A. & Langer, N. (2002). Assessment of spirituality and religion in

later life: Acknowledging clients’ needs and personal resources. Journal of

Gerontological Social Work. 37(2), 5-21.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 7

Module 7 Work with individuals

Description of

module

The range of ways to work with individuals

Spirituality and older adults

Countertransference

Readings McInnis-Dittrich, Ch. 6, Social work interventions in the socioemotional and

cognitive problems of older adults, pp.144-163.

Ch. 7, Alternate interventions in the socioemotional problems of older adults

Ch. 10, Spirituality and social work with older adults

Cappeliez, P. (2002). Cognitive-reminiscence therapy for depressed older adults

in day hospital and long-term care. In J.D. Webster & B.K. Haight (eds.),

Critical advances in reminiscence work, (pp.300-313), New York: Springer.

Diefenbach, G.J., Tolin, D.F., Gilliam, C.M. & Meunier, S.A. (2008). Extending

cognitive-behavioral therapy for late-life anxiety to home care. Behavior

Modification, 32(5), 595-610.

Ferry, J. L. & Abramson, J.S. (2005). Toward understanding the clinical aspects

of geriatric case management. Social Work in Health Care, 42(1), 35-56.

Morrow-Howell, N. (2007). A longer worklife: The new road to volunteering.

Generations, 31(1 ), 63-67.

Sprung, G.M. (1989). Transferential issues in working with older adults. Social

Casework, 70(10), 597-602.

Watt, L. & Wong, P. (1991) A taxonomy of reminiscence and therapeutic

implications, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 16, 37-57.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 8

Module 8 Working with families

Description of

module

The range of ways to work with families

Work with family caregivers

Readings McInnis-Dittrich, Ch. 12, Working with older adults’ support systems: Spouses,

partners, families, and caregivers.

Bell,V. & Troxel, D. (2002). A dignified life: The best friends approach to

Alzheimer’s care. Deerfield Beach,FL: Health Communications, Inc.

Brodie, K. & Gadling-Cole, C. (2003). The use of family decision meetings

when addressing caregiver stress. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 42(1),

89-100.

Greenberg, S., Stacy, M.G., & Penzo, J.A. (2001). Spousal caregiving: In

sickness and in health. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 35(4), 69-82.

Gwyther, L.P. (1995). When “The Family” is not one voice: Conflict in

caregiving families. Journal of Case Management, 4(4), 150-155.

Perkins, K. & Tice, C. (1999). Family treatment of older adults who misuse

alcohol: A strengths perspective. Journal of Gerontological Social Work,

31(3/4), 169-185.

Qualls, S. (2000). Therapy with aging families: Rationale, opportunities and

challenges. Journal of Aging and Mental Health, 4, 191-199.

Tepper, L.M. (2004). Counseling older people and their families. In L.M. Tepper

& T.M. Cassidy (Eds.) Multidisciplinary perspectives on aging (pp.173-184).

NY: Springer.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 9

Module 9 Working with groups

Description of

module

Models of group practice

Groups for older persons: From the well to the frail

Support groups for caregivers

Readings McInnis-Dittrich, Ch. 6, Individual and group interventions in the

socioemotional and cognitive problems of older adults, pp. 163-175.

Andrada, P.A. & Korte, A.O. (1993). En aquellos tiempos: A reminiscing group

with Hispanic elderly. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 20(3/4), 25-42.

Cohen, G. D. (2006). Research on creativity and aging: The positive impact of

the arts on health and illness. Generations, 30(1), 7-15.

Greenberg, S., Motenko, A.K., Roesch, C. & Embleton, N. (1999) Friendship

across the life cycle: A support group for older women, Journal of

Gerontological Social Work, 32 (4) 7-23.

Ingersall-Dayton, B.,Cambell, R. & Jung-Hwa, A. (2009). Enhancing

forgiveness: A group intervention for the elderly. Journal of Gerontological

Social Work, 52 (1), 2-16.

Lustbader, W. (2001). What’s worth knowing. NY: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam.

Partington, J., Gee, S., Leith, A. & Croucher, M. (2012). “Talking in a new

way”: Older individuals’ experiences of group work in an acute psychiatric

ward. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 55(1), 72-86.

Peak, T. (2000). Families and the nursing home environment: Adaptation in a

group context. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 33(1), 51-66.

Thorsheim, H.I. & Roberts, B.B. (2000). I remember when: Activities to help

people reminisce. Forest Knolls, CA: Elder Books.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 10

Module 10 & 11 Caregiving and care in institutional settings

Description of

module

Caregiving

Long term care

The role of hospitals and nursing homes in caring for elders

Institutional living: Issues for older adults and families

Readings Hooyman & Kiyak, Ch. 10, Opportunities and stresses of informal caregiving

Ch. 11, Living arrangements and social interactions

Berg-Weger, M. & Tebb, S.S. (1998). Caregiver well-being: A strengths-based

case management approach. Journal of Case Management. 7(2), 67-73.

Guberman, N., Lavoie, J., Blein, L & Olazabal, I. (2011). Baby boom

caregivers: Care in the age of individuation. The Gerontologist. 52(2), 210-218.

Himelick, A.J. & Walsh, J. (2002). Nursing home residents and borderline

personality traits: Clinical social work interventions. Journal of Gerontological

Social Work, 37(1), 49-63.

Levine, C. (1999) The loneliness of the long-term caregiver. The New England

Journal of Medicine, 340, 1587-1590.

Meyers, S. (2006). Role of the social worker in old versus new culture in nursing

homes. Social Work, 51(3), 273-277.

Morano, C.L. & Bravo, M. (2002). A psychoeducational model for Hispanic

Alzheimer’s Disease caregivers. The Gerontologist, 42(1), 123-126.

Olsen, R.V., Hutchings, B.L., & Ehrenkrantz, E. (1999). The physical design of

the home as a caregiving support: An environment for persons with dementia.

The Journal of Long Term Home Health Care. 18(2) , 125-131.

Pinquart, M., Sorenson, S. & Peak, T. (2004) Helping older adults and their

families develop and implement care plans. Journal of Gerontological Social

Work, 43 (4) 3-23.

Ron, P. (2009). Daughters as caregivers of aging parents: The shattering myth.

Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52 (2), 135-153.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 11

Module 12 & 13 Special populations and ethical concerns

Description of

module

The concerns and issues facing special populations

Designing appropriate interventions Ethical concerns

Readings McInnis-Dittrich, Ch. 8, Substance abuse and suicide prevention in older adults

Ch. 9, Social work practice in identifying and preventing abuse and neglect of

older adults

Ch. 2, pp. 48-53 (HIV/AIDS and elders)

Beaulaurier, R.L., Craig, S.J. & De La Rosa, M. (2009). Older Latino women

and HIV/AIDS: An examination of sexuality and culture as they relate to risk

and protective factors. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52 (1), 48-63.

Bergeron, L.R. (2006). Self-determination and elder abuse: Do we know

enough? Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 46(3/4), 81-102.

Bowie, S.L. (2003). Post-disaster crisis intervention with older adults in public

housing communities. Crisis Intervention, 6, 171-184.

Chichin, E.R. (2004). Ethics and the elderly. In L.M. Tepper & T.M. Cassidy

(Eds.) Multidisciplinary perspectives on aging (pp.229-245). NY: Springer.

Choi, N., Kim, J. & Asseff, J. (2009). Self neglect and neglect of vulnerable

older adults: Reexamination of etiology. Journal of Gerontological Social Work,

52 (2), 171-187.

Davis-Berman, J. (2011). Older men in homeless shelters: In-depth

conversations lead to practice implications. Journal of Gerontological Social

Work, 54(50, 456-474.

Hanson, M. & Gutheil, I.A. (2004). Motivational strategies with alcohol-

involved older adults: Implications for social work practice. Social Work, 49 (3),

364-372.

Linzer, N. (2002). An ethical dilemma in home care. Journal of Gerontological

Social Work, 37 (2), 23-34.

Persson, D. I. (2009). Unique challenges of transgender aging: Implications from

the literature. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52 (6), 633-646.

Sasson, S. (2000). Beneficence versus respect for autonomy: An ethical dilemma

in social work practice. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 33(1), 5-16.

Steele, C.D. & Scott, J.P. (2007). Alcohol abuse by older family members: A

family systems analysis of assessment and intervention. Alcohol Treatment

Quarterly, 25(1/2), 43-63.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 12

Module 14 Dying and bereavement

Description of

module

Dying and death

Grief and mourning

Advance directives

Readings

McInnis-Dittrich, Ch. 11, End of life care for older adults

Cochran, D.L. (1999). Advance elder care decision making: A model of family

planning. Journal of Gerontological Social Work. 32(2), 53-64.

Black, K. (2007). Advance care planning throughout the end-of-life: Focusing

the lens for social work practice. Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life &

Palliative Care. 3(2), 39-58.

Gutheil, I.A. & Heyman, J.C. (2006). “They don’t want to hear us”: Hispanic

elders and adult children speak about end-of-life planning. Journal of Social

Work in End-of-Life & Palliative Care, 2(1), 55-70.

Gutheil, I.A. & Heyman, J.C. (2005). Communication between older people and

their health care agents: Results of an intervention. Health & Social Work, 30(2),

107-116.

Lee, C.D. & Bakk, L. (2001). Later life transitions into widowhood. Journal of

Gerontological Social Work. 35(3), 51-63.

Moss, M.S. & Moss, S.Z. (1989). Death of the very old. In K.Doka (Ed.)

Disenfranchised Grief. New York: Lexington Books.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 13

Module 15 The future of Gerontological Social Work

Description of

module

Social work roles and priorities

Future issues

Readings Burnette, D. Morrow-Howell, N. & Chen, L.M. (2003). Setting priorities for

gerontological social work research: A national Delphi study. The Gerontologist,

43(6), 828-838.

Chong, A.M. (2007). Promoting the psychosocial health of the elderly – The role

of social workers. Social Work in Health Care, 44(1/2), 91-109.

Galinsky, E. (2007). The changing landscape of work. Generations. 31(1), 16-

22.

Leon, A.M., Altholz, J., Dziegielewski (1999). Compassion fatigue:

Considerations for working with the elderly. Journal of Gerontological Social

Work. 32(1), 43-62.

Moody, H.R. (2010). Reflecting on the 21st Century. Generations, 34(3), 23-27.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 14

APPENDIX C: PLAGARISM

University Policies of Academic Integrity

A university, by its nature, strives to foster and recognize originality of thought. Originality can only be recognized, however, when people acknowledge the sources of ideas and works that are not their own. Therefore, students must maintain the highest standards with regard to honesty, effort and performance. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating on exams, false authorship and destruction of library materials needed for a course. This policy gives definitions and instances of violations of academic integrity, the procedures used to arrive at a judgment, possible sanctions and the processes of appeal. This policy will be enforced rigorously and without discrimination.

Violations of Academic Integrity:

A. Plagiarism: Plagiarism occurs when individuals attempt to present as their own what has come from another source. Plagiarism takes place whether such theft is accidental or deliberate. Examples of plagiarism include but are not limited to:

Using the ideas of another person, whether or not such ideas are paraphrased, from whatever source including oral, print, broadcast or computer-mediated communication.

Rewriting borrowed material by simply dropping a word here and there, substituting a few words for others, or moving around words or sentences.

Presenting borrowed material without placing quotation marks around borrowed material in the approved style. It is no defense to claim that one has “forgotten” to do so.

Presenting as one’s own an assignment, paper or computer program partially or wholly

prepared by another person, whether by another student, friend, or by a business or on- line service that sells or distributes such papers and programs.

B. Cheating: Cheating occurs when individuals share course materials or information when it is unauthorized or prohibited. Examples of cheating include but are not limited to:

Having or using unauthorized material at an examination, test or quiz, or copying another

student’s assignment or laboratory report.

Permitting another student to copy an assignment, paper, computer program, project,

examination, test or quiz.

Obtaining and/or using an examination, test or quiz prior to its administration.

Having another person act as proxy and take an examination, test or quiz.

C. Additional Violations of Academic Integrity: Additional violations of academic integrity include but are not limited to:

Theft, destruction or tampering with library materials, audio and videotapes, computer

hardware or software, or other materials necessary for a course.

The submission or presentation of a falsified excuse for an absence from a course requirement,

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 15

examination, test or quiz.

The presentation of false identification or credentials in order to gain admission to a course, examination, test, quiz or degree program.

Submission of a paper or project to more than one course during the time in which a student is

attending Fordham University, without explicit permission from the instructors. The penalty for students found guilty of plagiarism and other violations of academic integrity may range from failure for the assignment or course to dismissal from the program.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 16

APPENDIX D: STUDNETS WITH DISABILITIES

Office of Disability Services The Office of Disability Services at Fordham University helps to ensure equal educational access and opportunity for all members of our community. In the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, members of the ODS staff work individually with each student to understand his or her strengths and limitations in order to develop their most effective and

comprehensive accommodation plan. In addition to working in a direct service capacity with our students, the Office of Disability Services also collaborates with administrators, faculty, and staff to ensure that the facilitation of reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities is provided. As a University, Fordham will offer reasonable and appropriate auxiliary aids and services to assist otherwise qualified persons in achieving access to its programs, services, and facilities once documentation is submitted to ODS and an intake appointment is conducted to develop an accommodation plan directly with the student in accordance with Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The Office of Disability Services believe that their policies and mission carry out the intent of Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, which states:

"No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 7(20), shall solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

Please go to the Office of Disabilities for documentation guidelines according to type of disability. The website address is: http://www.fordham.edu/campus_resources/student_services/disability_services_/

You can also contact the Office of Disability at 718-817-0655.

Practice with Older People and Their Families – Master Syllabus | 17

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SERVICE

Guide for Grading Policy and Recommended Grade Equivalents

95-100 A 90-94 A- 87-89 B+ 83-86 B 80-82 B- 76-79 C+ 70-75 C Below 70 F