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St. Catherine University

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Older adults

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Full-Text Articles in Social Work

Acculturation And Depression Among Older U.S. Immigrants: A Systematic Review, Sunghwan Cho May 2019

Acculturation And Depression Among Older U.S. Immigrants: A Systematic Review, Sunghwan Cho

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic review examines how acculturation affects depressive symptoms of older U.S. immigrants. Upon through review of the present literature, five articles were identified as meeting inclusion criteria and analyzed based on the ecological theory. Common themes identified throughout the reviewed studies include enhancing family support, community support, and cultural contexts. Results of this review conclude the micro and meso system such as family and social network supports help older adult immigrants interact with the mainstream American culture, which leads to a reduction of depressive symptoms of older adult immigrants. Also, the review identified that it is helpful for service …


Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Co-Housing Options For Older Adults To Age In Place, Kasey Meyer May 2018

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Co-Housing Options For Older Adults To Age In Place, Kasey Meyer

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explored a housing model called co-housing, giving attention to its potential to help older adults successfully age in place. The focus of this research primarily focused on housing and the obstacles that prevent older adults from remaining in their own home as they age. The population of older adults in the United States will continue to increase and older adults are often faced with a shortage of available options. The co-housing model consists of individual homes or apartments located around a shared outdoor space. Members within the community share responsibility for everyday activities and upkeep to property, reducing …


Challenges And Opportunities In Accessing Geriatric Mental Health Services In Rural Minnesota, Kassara Kneeland May 2018

Challenges And Opportunities In Accessing Geriatric Mental Health Services In Rural Minnesota, Kassara Kneeland

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

America’s aging population is increasing and mental illness among older adults continues to go under-diagnosed and under-treated. The purpose of this research was to collect data and information on the resources available to older adults living with mental illness in rural Minnesota. This research was informed primarily by the text Rural Mental Health: Issues, Policies, and Best Practices (2012). A survey was conducted utilizing both quantitative and qualitative questions developed by the researcher. The survey was distributed to 153 recipients in 14 counties surrounding Central Minnesota, with an 11% total response rate. Respondents were primarily county-affiliated, identified as social workers …


Identifying And Mitigating Caregiver Burnout: The Role Of Adult Day Social Workers, Annika Grafstrom May 2017

Identifying And Mitigating Caregiver Burnout: The Role Of Adult Day Social Workers, Annika Grafstrom

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This qualitative research study will explore the role of adult day social workers in identifying and mitigating caregiver burnout. To collect data for this study, eight semi-structured interviews with adult day social workers were completed to analyze their experience with caregivers, their role in recognizing burnout and their response to caregivers experiencing burnout. A grounded theory methodology approach will be used to analyze data. This method will use an open-coding process that will lead to selective coding, which will assist in identifying and validating themes and concepts from the participant’s responses to interview questions. The findings from this study indicate …


Perceptions Of Depression In Older Adults, Kasey D. Weber May 2015

Perceptions Of Depression In Older Adults, Kasey D. Weber

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

According to the US Department of Commerce estimates, the older adult population will more than double by 2050, to 80 million (US Department of Commerce, 1995). Depression is very common among the older generation with 6.5 million diagnosed cases out of 35 million individuals aged 65 and above (NAMI, n.d). Many of these older adults with depression suffer from stigmas, both internal and external. The objective of this systematic literature review was to synthesize the information available on stigma related to older adults with depression. The databases SocINDEX, Social Work Abstracts, Pubmed, and were systematically searched (2010 to date). The …


The Culture Change Movement Among Nursing Homes: Social Workers/Health Care Professionals Perspective, Emily Nesbitt May 2014

The Culture Change Movement Among Nursing Homes: Social Workers/Health Care Professionals Perspective, Emily Nesbitt

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of social workers and other health care professionals that are working in facilities that are or have implemented the Culture Change Movement (CCM) and to determine its impact on older adults and those working with them. This qualitative research study examines social workers and other health care professionals’ perspectives on the implementation of the CCM in nursing home settings. Six licensed social workers and two registered nurses were interviewed for this study from various surrounding nursing homes that are or have implemented the CCM. A semi-structured interview was conducted with …


The Effect Of Playback Theatre On Managing Elderly Bullying In Senior Communities, Jennifer E. Rooney May 2014

The Effect Of Playback Theatre On Managing Elderly Bullying In Senior Communities, Jennifer E. Rooney

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This qualitative research project explores the long established social problem of bullying among the expanding population of adults over 65. One of the main goals is to identify effective interventions in addressing the problem, specifically Playback Theatre. Grounded theory was implemented in data analysis. The social work theory of Person in Environment (PIE) and Systems Theory were used as the theoretical framework for formulating questions and interpreting answers. Seven professionals working in assisted living and senior public housing were questioned regarding their observations and experiences of elderly bullying within their facilities. Data analysis occurred within a three-month period. The main …


Older Adults And The Long-Term Care Crisis: Increasing Capacity For Commuty Independence Through Social Workers And Supportive Caregivers, Emily Kay Snyder May 2014

Older Adults And The Long-Term Care Crisis: Increasing Capacity For Commuty Independence Through Social Workers And Supportive Caregivers, Emily Kay Snyder

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The present study explores how social workers can collaborate with older adults and their family caregivers in transitional care facilities to increase older adults’ ability to live independently in the community versus receive institutionalized care. The data was gathered through five interview sessions with licensed social workers in transitional care units serving geriatric populations. Findings suggest that involved family caregivers who demonstrate knowledge of an older adult’s medical condition play an integral role in the older adult’s treatment plan and continued success in the community by facilitating communication with the treatment team and providing necessary supportive cares in the community. …


Older Adults In Long-Term Care: Fostering Hope Amidst Loss, Sarah J. Olsen May 2013

Older Adults In Long-Term Care: Fostering Hope Amidst Loss, Sarah J. Olsen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

There are an increasing number of older adults who are facing major life transitions and significant losses as they age. Finding a sense of hope among the losses and changes these older adults face is one way they can maintain a quality of life or as some researchers have termed it – successfully age. Social workers are often the front line workers with these older adults and therefore can play an integral role in fostering a sense of hope. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand social workers’ perspectives on their role in fostering a sense of hope …


Motivations, Skills And Rewards: Social Workers’ Perspectives On Practice With Older Adults, Rachel L. Gilmore Apr 2013

Motivations, Skills And Rewards: Social Workers’ Perspectives On Practice With Older Adults, Rachel L. Gilmore

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explored social workers’ views about their motivations, skills and rewards in work with older adults and how to increase social workers’ interest in working with older adults. Seven masters level social workers who work with older adults and are members of an association of social workers who work with older adults in the community, participated in interviews about their practice. The participants emphasized the importance of empathy, listening and having knowledge about community resources as essential to competent work with older adults. The participants shared stories about how they developed an interest in working with older adults that …


A Perspective Of Aging From The Prose Of Age Specific Birthday Cards, Lori Halbur May 2012

A Perspective Of Aging From The Prose Of Age Specific Birthday Cards, Lori Halbur

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

With a growing number of older people in the United States, it is important for social workers to acknowledge that ageism exists in our society and continue to research, study and understand the influences that contribute to it. Media outlets are one source that has been found to have an influence on people’s perceptions about older adults. A qualitative study was carried out to determine if the messages in age specific greeting cards that are produced specifically for individuals age 60 and older portray more positive or negative perceptions about aging or older individuals. The non-probability, convenience sample for this …


Nursing Home Caregivers' Attitudes Regarding Sexual Behavior Of Nursing Home Residents: A Cross Sectional Survey, Teresa Madsen May 2012

Nursing Home Caregivers' Attitudes Regarding Sexual Behavior Of Nursing Home Residents: A Cross Sectional Survey, Teresa Madsen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Sexual needs do not disappear as a person ages. It is possible for older adults to maintain their desired level of sexual activity if the environment is accepting and accommodating for the adults’ needs. Those who are institutionalized in nursing homes often have fewer opportunities to meet their needs than those who are not. The purpose of this project was to explore nursing home caregivers’ attitudes toward sexual behavior in their residents and thus assist in identifying areas for further education and educational programming that will allow residents to lead full and happy lives and meet the needs of the …


Social Workers’ Ideas On Health Promotion Among Older Adults, Kaylee Olson Apr 2012

Social Workers’ Ideas On Health Promotion Among Older Adults, Kaylee Olson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore the role and experience of social workers who provide services to older adults in the community. With the unprecedented demographic shift and multitude of challenges, problems and barriers traditionally associated with aging, a paradigm shift from a problem-based focus to one that emphasizes health promotion is gaining visibility. This shift in focus is relevant for social workers who work with older adults in a variety of social service settings. Eight licensed social workers working in community-based agencies were interviewed to include social workers' voices with a focus on how they utilize the …