Aging Highlights

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 those of any other profession. Social workers in this burgeoning area of practice have become increasingly involved in a wider array of settings, including those in the public sector, and non-profit and for-profit organizations. Because there is great diversity among older adults — — and because of their increasing numbers—the settings where social workers practice and the roles they play in gerontology will continue to evolve and expand.

The following is a brief summary of how NASW is working to promote social work practice in the area of aging:

• NASW participated in advocacy efforts on behalf of the social work profession by providing written comment to the National Institute of Mental Health on the role of the social work profession in research for the mental health needs of older adults. NASW continues our 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 CMS’s Monthly Advocates Meeting and CMS’s Skilled Nursing Facilities Open Door Forums; the Quality Improvement Organizations’ Public Advisory Council; and the Campaign for Quality 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, as well as advocates interested in discussing ways to improve the quality of care in skilled nursing facilities. NASW staff continues to serve on this panel and has offered technical expertise and resources on content pertaining to the delivery of social services in nursing homes.
• NASW continues our 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.
• NASW is a partner in 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.
• A new practice update on assisted living is available on the NASW Web site at: http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/aging/aging1003.pdf