1. Funded Innovations in Gerontological Social Work January 26, 2007
Back to the Future
Funded Innovations in Gerontological Social Work
January 26, 2007

3. The need……. The population is aging….both in the US and worldwide
60 percent of social workers will work with older adults as a focus of their practice at some point in their careers.
100 percent of social workers will work with older adults as part of everyday intergenerational practice.

4. The context: It’s not just about poverty
Frail elderly with adult children living far away
Alzheimer’s disease: long term, chronic, increasing needs
The costs of care giving along the continuum of care…home, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities
Grief…the companion of longevity

5. The challenge…. Reduced exposure of young people to older adults
Nuclear families
Increased mobility
Death in institutions rather than at home
Cultural stigmas
Aging stereotypes
Nursing Home stereotypes
Valuing of babies and children

7. Resources in the Baylor School of Social Work
Center for Gerontological Studies
Faculty experienced in work with older adults
Integration of Faith and Practice
Strengths Perspective
Strong field community

8. GeroRiching the Curriculum
All courses include content on working with older adults
Field/Service Learning focus
Use of older adults in the curriculum
Auditing
On committees
As interviewees for assignments
Guest lectures

9. Step 2: Truth and Consequences
PPP: Practicum Partnership Program
Demonstration Sites and Cycle 1
Cycle 2 Grant: $75,000 over three years

10. Gerontology Specialization Initiative
8 concentration students a year for each of three years
$3000 stipend each in the spring semester
BU matching tuition remission for the spring semester
8-10 agencies for rotational internships

11. Agency Partners 2006-2007 Area Agency on Aging
Central Texas Senior Ministries
DePaul Center
Friends for Life
Hillcrest Heritage Program
Providence Hospice
St. Catherine’s SNF
Wesley Woods Alzheimer’s Care Center

12. Area Agency on Aging

13. Central Texas Senior Ministries

14. Heritage

16. Plans and Challenges Adding congregational contexts
Funding sources for sustainability
Research on Programming Impact
Disseminating Findings