Lecture: 4 hours/week
In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities, such as lecture, discussion, group work, case studies and presentations.
• Social, political, and economic contexts shaping aging in Canada
• Psychosocial aspects of aging, including adaptation, coping, and mental health
• Diversity in aging related to gender, culture, sexuality, spirituality, and identity
• Government policy and legislation affecting seniors, including income security and end-of-life decisions
• Health, caregiving, and formal and informal support systems for older adults
• Abuse, neglect, and safety concerns affecting seniors
• Housing, food security, and social determinants of health in later life
• Indigenous perspectives and experiences of aging
• End-of-life care, grief, and loss
• Social work advocacy and practice with seniors and their families
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- State issues related to the demographics of aging, including the historical and current aging patterns in Canada and other countries and the societal challenges and benefits of a large aging population;
- Describe the impact of different factors on aging, including gender, sexual orientation, race, culture and ethnicity, and spiritual/religious beliefs;
- Describe the application of anti-oppressive practice and other effective approaches to working with older adults from diverse cultural communities;
- Discuss the unique experiences of Indigenous older adults, including experiences with housing, medical care/hospitalization, and access to culturally appropriate support and services;
- Describe types of housing for older adults, addressing issues related to accessibility, affordability, and transitioning from independent to dependent living;
- Define caregiver burnout and demonstrate how social workers can provide support to families;
- Explain the dynamics of elder abuse and neglect, including self-neglect;
- Identify key legislation and social work interventions supporting older adults, with a focus on safeguarding from abuse and neglect.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be in accordance with the °µÍø51 Evaluation Policy. 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 Course Outline. This is a letter-graded course.
Typical means of assessment include the following:
- Written papers
- Presentations
- Projects
- Exams
- Participation
- Attendance
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester. Example texts may include:
McInnis-Dittrick, K. (current edition). Social work with older adults: A biopsychosocial approach to assessment and intervention. Pearson.
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