Course overview
This course will enable students to critically analyse approaches to practice for older adults, including an examination of social work practice issues, and social discourses on ageing. Students will develop advanced knowledge of social work interventions to work with older persons and provide aged care services through building knowledge of demographic trends and the socio-cultural complexity of the ageing population, ethnocentrism, the policy implication of ideas of individual responsibility in relation to the ageing population and demands on family. Students will demonstrate critical analytical skills in exploring the contribution of elderly people to society, the value of aged care as a practice arena; professional challenges and ethical dilemmas; and international trends in aged care.
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse the implications of ageing from the perspective of individuals, families and social networks
- Examine the diversity of needs for older people which recognises cultural diversity, social inequality, marginality and the impact of complex health and social conditions
- Critically explore social workers involvement in aged care service delivery and adaptability of intervention approaches to this diverse population
- Evaluate ethical issues arising from professional social work practice with ageing populations