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February 2004 |
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| Aging |
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Aging Highlights
Staff: Lisa Yagoda, ACSW, LICSW
Senior Policy Associate, Aging
The rapid increase in the number of older adults in this country has led to a heightened interest in social work practice with this population. Professional social work services address the important and varied needs of the our nation's older population in ways unlike that of any other profession. Because there is great diversity among older adults ¾ and because of their increasing numbers—the settings in which social workers practice, and the roles they play, will continue to evolve and expand.
Social workers in this burgeoning area of practice have become increasingly involved in a wider array of settings, including those in the public sector, non-profit, and for-profit organizations. NASW and its leadership are committed to having an impact on professional development, policy, and advocacy efforts in this growing area of practice.
During the past quarter, NASW staff were involved in a number of activities relevant to advancing the profession's role in a variety of aspects of gerontological social work:
Advocacy and Preserving Social Work Roles in the Workplace
- NASW continues its long-standing involvement with the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging.
- Quality care for nursing home residents includes the delivery of comprehensive psychosocial assessments and interventions. Working with other providers concerned about the quality of care, NASW continues to actively participate in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services'(CMS) Monthly Advocates Meeting and the Centers' Skilled Nursing Facilities Open Door Forums; the Quality Improvement Organizations' Public Advisory Council; and the Campaign for Quality Care.
- NASW was a planning partner for the National Institute on Aging's (NIA) Partners in Health Education Workshop in December 2003. This workshop offered a unique opportunity for social service and other professionals to give NIA new direction in planning, and to enhance their efforts and responsiveness to the professional community.
Quality Care in Long-Term Care
- NASW is a participating member of the Quality Improvement Organization's Public Advisory Panel. The panel is comprised of allied health and mental health organizations, and advocates interested in discussing ways to improve the quality of care in skilled nursing facilities. NASW staff continue to serve on this panel, and have offered technical expertise and resources on content that pertains to the delivery of social services in nursing homes.
- NASW continues its involvement with the National Medicare Education Coordinating Committee—an alliance dedicated to educating consumers and providers about quality low-cost heath care for older adults and those with disabilities.
Caregiving
- NASW is a member of the National Quality Caregiving Coalition (NQCC), of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development. Caregiving has become a critical public health issue in America and around the world. NASW seeks to advance the role of social work to help address the needs of, and challenges faced by, family caregivers of all ages.
- NASW continues our partnership with the American Society on Aging's Care-PRO program, which offers Web-based continuing education for social workers, occupational therapists, and nurses. NASW also serves as a member of the Care-PRO Advisory Committee.
Recent Resources From NASW in Aging and Long-Term Care:
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