ABSTRACT
This study explored the dimensionality of grief with a sample (n = 180) of caregivers of deceased loved ones; utilizing a positive grief scale, additional data were collected about perceptions of social worker practice behaviors in end-of-life care. Results revealed the presence of both positive and negative aspects of grief. Supportive social work practice behaviors at the end of life were present at least 52.2% of the time and specific practices were analyzed as to their association with positive or negative grief reactions. Results from this study suggest that grief is a multidimensional process and that social work practice behaviors can support positive aspects of grief with clients in all fields of practice.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Caregivers/psychology , Grief , Social Support , Social Work , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Attitude to Death , Emotions , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Psychological Tests , Treatment Outcome , United StatesSubject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/nursing , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Inservice Training/methods , School Health Services/organization & administration , School Nursing/education , Adolescent , Adolescent Behavior , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/prevention & control , Female , Humans , Quality of Health Care , School Health Services/legislation & jurisprudence , School Nursing/legislation & jurisprudence , Social Responsibility , United StatesABSTRACT
Since 1983, federal funding has been available for hospice services. However, research studies have found that hospice is underutilized by people with terminal illnesses and their families. Low-income older adults are particularly at risk for underutilization. This study examined utilization of hospice services by nursing home applicants in one Midwestern state. Characteristics of users and non-users, and potential barriers to hospice use were examined. Findings further document that hospice is underutilized, especially by the Medicaid population, and point to barriers to hospice utilization. Specific recommendations are made to help practitioners increase hospice access.
Subject(s)
Homes for the Aged , Hospice Care/statistics & numerical data , Nursing Homes , Social Work/organization & administration , Activities of Daily Living , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Family , Female , Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration , Humans , Male , Medicaid/statistics & numerical data , Residence Characteristics , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
Infusing age-specific, multigenerational content into social work curricula at both the MSW and BSW levels are key goals in preparing age-competent social workers to meet the needs of our current and future aging populations. The social work profession has a holistic approach and crucial skills that can promote aging well. This article will discuss an innovative, multilevel intervention strategy supported by the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Initiative that formulates, implements, and sustains age-infused curricula and assures the education of age-competent social workers by capitalizing on a "community-focus" strategy.
