A comprehensive picture of geriatric depression in social work practice needs to include advances in healthcare and technology as a contributing factor for longevity. The current average life expectancy at birth in the U.S. is 78 years old (CDC, 2013). Older adults are living longer than ever before, and social workers are confronted by the challenges of supporting the wellbeing of their elderly until the end of life. Currently, older adults are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population estimated to increase from 14 to 20 percent by 2030 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014; Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] & Merck Foundation, 2007). The drastic shift in the demographics has caused late-life depression to be a public health concern (CDC & National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, 2009). According to the CDC (2015), the prevalence estimates of major depression in older adults varies from 1% to 13.5%. Furthermore, the prevalence of …show more content…
The rapid growth of the elderly population continues to inform the social work profession of the need for gerontological social workers in areas of healthcare, family functioning, and community-based practice (Rosen & Zlotnik, 2001; Peterson, 1990; Scarlach, Damron-Rodriguez, Robinson, & Feldman, 2000). Based on these statistics, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014) has projected that by 2024, there will be an overall 19 percent increase in social work jobs in both healthcare and mental health. In addition, social workers in long-term care settings are expected to increase by at least 50 percent. A larger number of social workers will become key members on interdisciplinary teams that serve older adults bringing with them a multi-perspective expertise on health and wellness and knowledge of various biopsychosocial assessments and interventions that have been developed over time (Simons, Bonifas, & Gammonley,
Social workers level the playing field for individuals and families that have experienced hardships, terminal illnesses, mental health disorders and other adverse environmental situations that inhibit their ability to thrive within society. Social workers accomplish this by providing individuals and families the resources necessary to ensure that their needs are being met. Social workers serve an essential role to the functioning of our society, as they are committed and dedicated to increasing the quality of life for underprivileged community members. I fully intend on actively contributing to this endeavor, as I believe social workers have the responsibility to ensure that all community members have their needs met and the opportunity to
This plan is to validate that individuals in needs will continue to receive services from a social worker on a regular basis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for social workers is expected to grow twice as fast as any other occupation, especially in gerontology, home healthcare, substance abuse, private social service agencies, and school social work. Based off the given information about the need for social workers, it is imperative that this reinvestment act become an official law to help promote social advocacy in today’s society. The high expectations of social workers needed in this career field is directed towards those experiencing aging and with aging comes physical and mental changes in health which would require a need for more professional social
Depression was once believed to affect mainly adults for various reasons. It was hardly ever seen in minors or college students. Today depression is more common in younger populations mainly college students. There are many things that can trigger depression in college students, such as the environment, anxiety, and the fear of failure. All these things can contribute to depression in college students and sometimes cannot be seen. Many college students will never seek help, and many wont ever admit that they struggle with it.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2013) Report revealed that the World Health Organization describes the inequities and disparities within a community as social determinants. These social determinants include age, sex, birth place, where one lives, works, plays, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and has a healthcare system. McKibbin and Deacon (2011) revealed it is estimated that 20% of older adults suffer from a mental health disorder. Patients with a chronic illness such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, geriatric depression, chronic pain issues, cancer, and diabetes account for trillions of dollars spent on medical care in the United States. As the population ages the costs will expand, the shortage of physicians and nurses will continue to decrease and the scope of this problem will increase thus the need for new innovative ideas and plans to care for the geriatric population including those in the rural regions. One potential solution for geriatric depression ...
According to the World Health Organization (2016), the population of older adults is estimated to almost double from about 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050. Older adults are more likely to experience special physical and mental challenges as they age. Mental health of older adults plays a vital role in the preservation and maintenance of quality of life, independence and autonomy. Untreated mental health disorders in older adults can lead to diminished functioning, substance abuse, poor quality of life, and increased mortality. Various non-pharmacological interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in managing and reducing depression in older adults (Apóstolo, Bobrowicz-Campos, Rodrigues, Castro, & Cardoso, 2016).
Interviewing and research skills are needed within the social work profession. Effective communication skills are one of the most crucial components of a social worker’s job. Every day, social workers must communicate with clients to gain information, convey critical information and make important decisions (Zeiger, 2017). This interview experience was an opportunity to explore the daily challenges and rewards of a licensed social worker. I was excited for the opportunity to interview a social worker in the gerontology sector as this is a specialty I am considering. This meeting allowed me to explore the educational steps of being a social worker, practices of the agency, the clients who are served, and the challenges the agency has.
The older adult population consists of people 65 and older (Miller, & Stoeckel, 2011). Depression is greater in women than men, however, the cause is unknown (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Both, males and females who have been previously depressed or have a biological relative with depression, have an increased risk of depression (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Seniors in long-term care facilities have a higher rate of being diagnosed with depression (14-42%) than those who continue to live within the community (1%-5%), therefore, levels of diagnosed depression fluctuate depending on location of residence (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). A recent Canadian study shows 44% of older adults living in residential care have been diagnosed with depression or have symptoms of depression (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Depression can cause higher mortality rates, even when supplementary risk factors are considered, however, the reasons are not entirely understood (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Studies have shown that older adults with depression are one and a half to two times more likely to pass on than those without depression (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010).
Of the estimated 35 million people in the U.S. that are over the age of 65, 6.5 million are in need of some sort of mental health services. (Comer, 2004) However, less than 20% receive treatment (Benek-Higgins, 2008). According to the American Psychiatric Association, there may be instances where a person may not report a depressed mood or sadness, since many including those in the elderly population, may deny such feelings (APA, 1994).Anxieties, irritability, not able t...
The mental health assessment is a crucial part in everyday nursing care as it evaluates an individual’s mental condition to assess for risk factors of mental illnesses and provide optimal care and treatment. Mental health is described as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” (CDC) If the patient not mentally healthy, they can develop mentally illnesses, which can affect treatment and the disease process of physical ailments because without mental health a person cannot be completely healthy. “Suicide Risk Assessment in High Risk Adolescents” is a nursing article that outlines suicide risk factors and prevention strategies for assist nurses in performing mental health assessments. Suicide, the act of
This article was published in the reputable Journal of Gerontological Social Work. One of the authors, Nancy R. Hooyman, is the author of over 150 peer reviewed articles, and is the Dean at the University of Michigan’s social work program. The second author, Kevin Mahoney, is a professor at Boston College’s School of Social Work, and has published over 50 works. The final author, Mark Sciegaj, is a professor of health policy and administration and Pennsylvania State University, and has published 7 articles. The authors’ areas of expertise are in gerontology and women’s issues, aging and disability, and health policy and long-term care, respectively.
America is a country where everyone is free to live however they like, but it is possible for some people to live a happy life, if no one is around to take care of them. Nearly three hundred million people reside in the America, and out of those three hundred million populations, senior citizens make a 12 percent of the entire population. A senior citizen is commonly known as a person who is over the age of 65 and living on retirement, or known as social security benefits (Census Bureau). Ever since Franklin D. Roosevelt implied the act of Social Security in 1935, seniors are regularly provided a financial help, but seniors, along with financial help, seeks also accompany of someone who can look after them. Because of constantly growing needs of senior citizens, government as well as many non-profit organizations is working on helping seniors. Therefore I decided to research on this particular issue in my community, and I found that 64.5% of seniors are living alone in metropolitan area of Atlanta.
As a student, I will study and practice techniques, beyond a generalist perspective, that will allow me to give clients hope and the ability to see something greater than what they are facing. Upon completion of a Master of Social Work direct practice degree and certificate in gerontology and mental health programs, I intend to become a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I will competently incorporate specialized skills in different professional settings while developing my knowledge of a wide range of social issues and professional standards. With commitment, I wish to develop skills that will enable me to create or find hidden resources and services for my future clients, create platforms through consoling for victims of
There are many people in the world who are struggling with the disease depression. Depression is the state in which a person feels very sad, hopeless and unimportant. The thing about depression is that it affects both genders and any ages. Depression is something that deserves full attention. For many reasons doctors believe that when a person has depression, they have to start taking medication for it as if medications help. People are becoming more dependent on antidepressants when there are other techniques for dealing with depression.
The silent killer that takes lives without warning, punishment, or any sympathy; depression is truly one of the most prominent mental illnesses in the world. Depression is defined as a mental illness inducing a severe and staunch feeling of sadness. The term depressed is coined in English as a temporary sadness that everyone experiences in their life. Despite that depression is more active in women, it is still one of the most common mental illnesses in the world. It affects anybody, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic standing. Regardless of all these facts, surprisingly little is known about depression, however, scientists have been able to hypothesize major causes, effects, and treatments for the disability affecting over
Mental health refers to the state of individuals psychologically, emotionally and socially. Mental health affects a person’s emotions, feelings, thoughts, and sections when exposed to different situations. Furthermore, mental health is responsible for a person’s reaction to stress and other social conditions. Generally, mental health affects how a person relates to others and their ability to understand and interact with them. Therefore, problems that affect a person’s mental health affect the abilities to socialize, their feelings, moods, reaction to situations. The person experiencing mental health problem may portray different behaviors when confronted with different issues. Mental health issues have several