working as geriatric counselor

As a Gerontology minor student, I have learned the importance of helping older adults with their daily activities. It is also a proven fact that the burden of becoming a caregiver for an elderly, and taking care of a loved one full or even part time, nearly always becomes the responsibility of the family of elderly. Based on my research, I have found out how a Geriatric Counselor can provide assistance to older adults and their families with issues related to the aging process The help that can be received from a Geriatric Counselor can often make the lives of older adults and their families much easier by reducing the burden, and providing convenient, comfort, and ultimately a better quality of life for those in the later years of their lives.

Further in my research, I gained even more knowledge about the significant growth of elderly population and the increase needs for geriatric professionals in nearly all societies. As per Fred Stickle and Jill Onedera (2006), in Teaching Gerontology in Counselor Education, “Mental health needs of older persons are projected to grow significantly over the course of the next years. Consequently, the need for training counselors to work with the aging population is presented.” They clearly explain essential importance of the education and training of geriatric professionals, specifically Geriatric Counselors, because they all should be able to apply the principles of ethics, whether regarding a self-determination decision or a person`s autonomy .

According to Counselor-License.com, “Areas of concern include everything from the retirement transition clear through to the end of life.”(Counselor-License, 2014) Moreover, it is highly challenging for many individuals to cope with the loss of perso...

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...upport services, processing insurance claims, legal assistance services, Hospice care coordination, prescription refill services, money management, bill paying services, and etc.

Another important part of working with a large group of geriatric staff as a Geriatric Counselor is to build a bridge for a better relationship between the staff and patients. This can also help to create a better work environment among the staff. Paul R. Welter, a licensed Psychologist, believes that counselor training program for geriatric care settings will emphasize personal discovery in giving and receiving. In his book, he emphasizes the importance of giving, as well as receiving. It is important to consider the sensitivity of learning styles, inclusion of residents in a workshop atmosphere, continuing involvement of the leader, and a focus on tasks and relationships. (Welter, 1987)