Chapter 11 Weekly Reflection

Chapter 11 describes the category of old-old age in the elderly age group. The population of 75 years and older is projected to be the fastest growing segment of the old age population within the next 100 years. (Hillier and Barrow, 2007 pg. 291). Contrary to myths and stereotypes about frailness and little capability of functioning alone, many elderly in the old -old age category are successfully aging and are experiencing independence as well as, satisfactory life evaluations. This is not to say that this particular age group is not facing some hardships. For those who do need some type of assistance, whether it be in home care and assistance with daily living activities or full time nursing care in a skilled facility, face many concerns and issues. Choosing to relocate, stay in present home, or choose a nursing home facility can all be major decisions for the old-old age group. There abilities to make these decisions are sometimes contingent among the amount of resources they have or do not have. Even the amount of resources their resources have, such as children, family, or friends able to provide care can pose some type of affect on the elderly. Caregiver for this age group are also facing many challenges, becoming quickly burnt out by being overworked and underpaid or
receiving no benefits and recognition for their serves create numerous amount of concern and stress for these individuals. Psychological interventions and respite care services are some methods to intervene and alleviate stress for this group of people. Hopefully, having positive effects on both the caregiver and the quality of care an elderly individual is receiving.
   Becoming aware of the situations the elderly and their caregivers are facing are essential in the ways we can help and intervene in our future as social workers. While it does make sense that caregivers who are facing high levels of stress can find themselves taking it out on the people they are providing care for, we must try and do more to try and understand and advocate on every level of practice for better quality of care and better conditions for individuals to be able to provide that care.

 Reference:

Hillier, S.M. and Barrow, G.M. (2007). Aging, the

individual and society. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.