Course

Social Work with Seniors

Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Social Work
Course code
SOWK 2362
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
35
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course offers an overview of gerontology practice and policy issues from a social work perspective, focusing on the role of social workers in supporting older adults and their families in various settings. Topics include the biopsychosocial aspects of aging, housing challenges, social supports, legal considerations, substance use, mental health and end-of-life care. Students will also explore issues related to mental health and elder abuse, as well as the impact of poverty on older adults. The course utilizes inclusive practices, strength-based approaches and working with older adults from Indigenous and diverse multicultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Course content

Course content will be guided by research, empirical knowledge and best practices. The following values and principles, consistent with professional standards, inform course content:

  • The aging population in Canada and elsewhere makes it essential that social workers are competent working with older adults.
  • Older adults have meaningful contributions to make in society. Families and communities are enriched by the involvement of older adults.
  • Cultural humility is a required skill when working with older adults from diverse backgrounds.
  • Effective social workers are committed to fostering the health, well-being, empowerment and self-determination of older adults.
  • Social work is committed to dispelling common myths about aging.
  • Effective social workers are aware of their own values with respect to aging, spirituality and death.
Learning activities

Lecture
Presentations
Small group discussion
Guest speakers

 

Means of assessment

Evaluations will be carried out in accordance with ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏÍø Evaluation Policy and will include both formative and summative components. Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in a course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the instructor’s course outline. Typical