Guiding the Next Generation of Social Workers: The Lowy-GEM Program on Aging

Mariejose Dorvilier, MSW, Karin Lauff Wannamaker, MSW, Megan Stolze, MSW Candidate, and William Tan, MSW Candidate

Brief Biography: Mariejose Dorvilier, MSW, Karin Lauff Wannamaker, MSW, Megan Stolze, MSW candidate and William Tan, MSW were all enrolled as MSW students in the Lowy-GEM Program in Aging, at Boston University School of Social Work. The Lowy-GEM Program is the sustained version of Boston University’s HPPAE Program. As part of the rotation model, these students completed a research project evaluating the effect of earlier versions of this program, including the three years as an HPPAE site, on the careers and career choices of the participants. There of the students have now graduated from the School of Social Work and the fourth will receive her MSW in May, 2012.

Short Abstract: The number of older adults in the United States is anticipated to grow exponentially over the next decade.  As a result, there is a greater need to have educated and trained leaders and service providers to work with and on behalf of this expanding population. This research study looked at the preparedness of Masters of Social Work graduates of the Boston University School of Social Work’s Lowy-GEM Program in Aging, between the years of 2001-2009, including as part of the PPP/HPPAE program 2006-2009. The participants overwhelmingly responded positively to the program. They found it prepared them to work in the field of aging. The program also increased student competences in geriatric social work, exposed respondents to a range of available services, and increased their knowledge of network connections.

Keywords: Lowy-GEM Program, Older adults, Geriatric Social Work, Social Work Education

  Effective Use of Touch in a Therapeutic Environment

Cheryl Langfeld, MSW, Rutgers School of Social Work

Brief Biography: Specializing in Clinical Social Work, I graduated with Honors from Rutgers School of Social Work, where I was awarded the “Outstanding Student Achievement Award” by the NJ Society for Clinical Social Work.  My interests revolve around the aging, particularly in healthcare settings such as hospice, hospitals, etc.  I graduated with a Certificate in Aging as well as working towards a Certificate in Trauma & Crisis Intervention.

Short Abstract: “Effective Use of Touch in a Therapeutic Environment” explores the use of human contact as an adjunct to treatment in caring for clients in hospice, particularly those with communication difficulties.  While physical contact is routinely minimized or frowned upon, the negative impact this has on the patient necessitates a second look at the history, ethical considerations, cultural differences and needed policy changes surrounding the use of touch and how it can be safely incorporated into the social work profession.  The author discusses several recommendations on incorporating the use of human touch into work with the aging- incorporating licensed massage professionals into long-term care facilities, providing additional training to social workers on the ethical use of touch and potential abuses, and education to the public and family members on what is safe and effective touch are all ways this intervention can be easily, quickly introduced into various facilities.

Keywords: Aging, Healthcare, Physical Contact, Social Work Ethics 

 The Effects of a Therapy Dog on Mood in Geriatric Rehabilitation Nursing Home Residents  

Mara Krotec Baginski, MSW, LSW, University of Pittsburgh  

Other Authors: Mary Beth Rauktis, PhD

Brief Biography: Mara Krotec Baginski is an HPPAE alumnus from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Social Work.  Mrs. Baginski is currently the Director of Discharge Planning and Social Services at Virginia Beach Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center where she is completing a clinical social work licensure (LCSW).  Mrs. Baginski currently utilizes Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) in her practice with geriatric skilled nursing home patients at the facility where she practices social work.

Abstract: Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been used for over forty years to help improve the quality of life in people. The growing research in AAT to date has primarily focused on nursing home facilities.  Previous studies have shown that AAT can help alleviate depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress levels in people (Colombo, Buono, Smania, Raviola, & Leo, 2006; Darrah, 1996; & Ice, 2006).  Little is known however about short-term geriatric rehabilitation nursing home residents.  There have been no known studies that investigate these residents and how they cope with the new transition of living in a nursing home temporarily, therefore this supports the need to further explore these residents’ needs.  This study examined both quantitative and qualitative evidence of the effects a therapy dog had on mood in geriatric rehabilitation residents in a skilled nursing facility.  It was found that AAT improved mood but did not significantly improve mood more than another stimulating activity.  Through qualitative research it was found that residents received great enjoyment from interaction with animals and consider their own animals/pets as part of their family.  It was also found that having an animal prior to admission does not necessarily impact AAT.

Please note, The University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviewed and approved of this research.

Keywords: Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) & Nursing Home Residents

Investing in America’s Future: How Cloud Computing Can Enhance Geriatric Social Work Practice

Melody Wilding, MSW, Columbia University

Brief Biography: Melody Wilding, LMSW is a specialist in aging and a licensed social worker. She has substantial expertise as a communications consultant performing outreach and strategic communications for healthcare organizations such as the New York Academy of Medicine and eCaring.com – building relationships, developing content, and creating comprehensive social media plans. As a Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education Scholar, Melody coordinated a network of 33 graduate schools and over 2700 students nationwide and created a virtual networking portal for gerontology students. She has developed aging-competency training materials for social workers, worked on advocacy campaigns to support Medicaid home care services, and is an active member of the Committee on Leadership In Aging. Melody has worked with older adults clinically in assisted living and psychiatric settings. She received her Masters from Columbia University and graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Psychology.  

Abstract: The Hartford Partnership Program in Aging Education (HPPAE) provides an innovative model of social work education to train the next generation of geriatric social workers. Although the HPPAE program is now represented in one-third of social work graduate schools nationwide, having a national scope poses difficulties in maintaining communication and building student leadership initiatives. Initiatives that capitalize upon current improvements in information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be utilized to distribute information more easily, representing a valuable way of enhancing program cohesion, reputability, and student involvement. This article examines how Internet-based technology may serve as a powerful organizing tool within social work education, as related to improving students’ access to aging-specific resources. Notably, “cloud computing” technology offers remote access to files and software via an Internet connection, presenting new cost-minimizing communication strategies to link students and organizations nationwide.

Keywords: Aging, social work education, leadership development, technology, ICTs, geriatric social work, older adults, Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education