Social Work with Seniors

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

 1. Describe issues related to the demographics of aging, including:

• Historical and current aging patterns in Canada and other countries,
• Challenges and benefits on society of an aging population;

2. Describe gender differences in aging, and individual and family theories of development to seniors;

3. Describe how social supports can be mobilized to reduce stress for seniors and their caregivers;

4. Critically analyze government legislation intended to protect the rights of seniors,

• Describe the dynamics of abuse and neglect, including self-neglect,
• Describe how social workers can act to prevent or deal with abuse and neglect;

5. Describe relevant legislation, and legal concepts and processes related to aging, including:

• Power of attorney, living wills, representation agreements,
• Essential elements of the Canadian economic security system,
• Aspects of the health care system (public and private) dealing with seniors;

6. Critically analyze options for safe and affordable housing and describe the challenges in the shift from independent to dependent living;

7. Describe normative and non-normative mental and physical challenges including end of life issues, including loss and the grieving process, and the role of the social worker to help seniors through these transitions.