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Beltran SJ, Miller VJ, Morris A. Perceived Readiness for Gerontological Social Work: Insights from Recent Graduates During COVID-19. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38824619 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2024.2361080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
An online qualitative survey explored perceived training, readiness, and needs of recent SW graduates serving older adults. Over half (N = 14) held a master's in social work, with 70% having taken an introductory aging course. Nearly halfcompleted other aging-specific coursework, and 80% did fieldwork with older adults. Participants indicated moderate proficiency in assessing issues like lossestransitions (46.7%), and physical health (53.3%), and advanced expertise in cognitive assessments (60.0%) and caregiver stress management (53.3%). Training deficiencies were noted in disaster readiness, telehealth, and resource coordination. Findings underscore the need for educationfor early-career social workers, ensuring their effective support to older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanny J Beltran
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Vivian J Miller
- College of Health & Human Services, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
| | - Ashley Morris
- Public Affairs, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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Carlson B, Kohon JN, Carder PC, Himes D, Toda E, Tanaka K. Climate Change Policies and Older Adults: An Analysis of States' Climate Adaptation Plans. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad077. [PMID: 37379518 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES As climate change drives more frequent and intense weather events, older adults face disproportionate impacts, including having the highest mortality rates from storms, wildfires, flooding, and heat waves. State governments are critical in deploying local resources to help address climate change impacts. This policy study analyzes states' climate adaptation plans to assess the methods through which they address the impact of climate change on older adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study uses content analysis to analyze available climate change adaptation plans for all U.S. states for strategies designed to increase the resilience of older adults to the impacts of climate change. RESULTS A total of 19 states have climate adaptation plans, of which 18 describe older adults as a population group with specific health impacts and risk factors. There are 4 categories of adaptation strategies for older adults that includes communications, transportation, housing, and emergency services. State plans vary in terms of the risk factors and adaptation strategies included. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS To varying degrees, states' climate change adaptation planning addresses health, social, and economic risks specific to older adults, as well as strategies for mitigating those risks. As global warming continues, collaborations between public and private sectors and across regions will be needed to prevent negative outcomes such as forced relocation and other social and economic disruptions as well as disparate morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryant Carlson
- Institute on Aging & OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jacklyn N Kohon
- Institute on Aging, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Research Center for Sustainability and Environment, Shiga University, Shiga, Japan
| | - Paula C Carder
- Institute on Aging & OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Dani Himes
- Institute on Aging, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Eiji Toda
- Institute on Aging, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Katsuya Tanaka
- Research Center for Sustainability and Environment, Shiga University, Shiga, Japan
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Beltran S, Yalim A, Morris A, Taylor L. Emerging social workers during COVID-19: Exploring perceived readiness and training needs. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 23:428-442. [PMID: 38602920 PMCID: PMC10020856 DOI: 10.1177/14680173231162490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Summary methods and approach Social workers support clients' psychosocial and resource needs across care settings. Social workers are typically not, however, trained to engage in emergency response practices such as the ones that may be necessary to support needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article reports findings from a cross-sectional survey of social work students and recent graduates entering the field of social work during COVID-19, exploring their preparation, perceived readiness, and training needs. Findings The study sample (N = 94) included 70 students and 24 recent graduates. The sample was 52% White, 22% Hispanic, and 21% Black/African American. Respondents reported training needs in the areas of trauma-informed care (70%), behavioral health (57%), culturally competent practice (49%), telehealth (48%), loss and grief (44%), and emergency management (43%). No significant differences emerged in self-efficacy ratings of students and recent graduates; both groups reported low self-efficacy in their ability to apply advanced practice skills. After controlling for demographics, receiving training specific to the COVID-19 pandemic (β = .271, p < .05), perceived readiness (β = .779, p < .001), and satisfaction with training/preparation (β = .4450, p < .001) significantly contribute to levels of perceived self-efficacy among SW students and recent graduates. Applications Social work curricular developments, and continuing education, are needed to prepare and support emerging social workers for practice in the context of COVID-19 and its long-term implications. This includes enhancing social workers' readiness to engage in telehealth, trauma-informed practice, emergency management, policy interpretation, self-care, and grief support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asli Yalim
- University of Central
Florida, Orlando, USA
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Maarefvand M, Ghiabi M, Nourshargh F. Social work post-disaster response in Iran: A case study of the 2019 mass flooding in Poldokhtar, Lorestan. INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK 2023; 66:547-567. [PMID: 36926595 PMCID: PMC7614324 DOI: 10.1177/00208728211018742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Flash-flooding affected Iran in March 2019 causing the displacement of thousands of people. Social workers established a Child Friendly Space (CFS) and applied comprehensive case management to provide psychosocial support for people who were affected by flooding (PWAF) (n = 565) in a community in Poldokhtar, covering a period of 3 months. Outreach services, involving community-volunteers, providing counseling, establishing CFS, training PWAF for reducing violence, and preventing child abuse were essential social work post-disaster interventions to support vulnerable populations. The article reflects upon the often-neglected role of social workers in post-disaster settings, and brings new material for discussion from the unexplored field of Iranian social workers.
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Beltran SJ, Luigi P, Kusmaul N, Leon M. Rising above the Flood: A Systematic Review of Gerontological Social Work in Disaster Preparedness and Response. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2022; 65:545-561. [PMID: 34689703 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1986764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Physical/cognitive limitations associated with the aging process place older adults at disproportionate risk of negative consequences during disasters. Guided by the profession's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, gerontological social workers have long been on the frontlines supporting older adults during disasters. Yet, disaster social work practice remains an undeveloped and under-researched area. Thus, we asked "what is the current role of gerontological social workers in disaster preparedness with older adults in the United States, and potential areas for improvement?" This paper systematically reviews the literature discussing social work and disaster preparedness/response with older adults in the U.S., to identify needs and inform future directions. PRISMA guidelines were followed to conduct a systematic search across relevant databases for peer-reviewed-publications between January 1, 2009-June 12, 2020. Eleven articles met inclusion criteria. This body of literature is small and covers two broad areas: (1) charging the social work profession to engage in this work, and (2) describing current efforts and unique challenges of older adults during disasters. Only three empirical studies were identified. Future educational efforts should formalize training to prepare social workers for this practice area. Research should detail the roles of social workers in disaster preparedness/response, and factors that predict involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanny J Beltran
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Paola Luigi
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Nancy Kusmaul
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Milo Leon
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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Miller VJ, Anderson K, Fields NL, Kusmaul N. "Please Don't Let Academia Forget about Us:" An Exploration of Nursing Home Social Work Experiences during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2022; 65:450-464. [PMID: 34511052 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1978027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nursing home social workers are on the frontlines during COVID-19 responding to individual resident needs, the needs of staff, and larger health needs of the nursing home. However, it is unclear whether nursing home social workers feel adequately trained and prepared in responding to disasters, such as COVID-19. To explore this, we used a study cross-sectional survey distributed via social media focusing on 1) prior training on disaster preparedness, 2) any content social workers wish had been a part of their education, and 3) suggestions for educators/academics to serve social workers on the frontlines. Data in this study are based on a sample of 63 (N=63) nursing home social workers. Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data were analyzed using the RaDar (rigorous and accelerated data reduction) technique. Findings revealed that most social workers had little to no training in disaster preparedness, and shared areas of future education initiatives. Participants also shared the need for bridging the research to practice gap through open access articles and support from academics. Findings from the present study reveal areas social work programs can expand gerontology-focused course offerings. Additionally, developments promoting practitioner support from academics is worth consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian J Miller
- Department of Human Services, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Keith Anderson
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Noelle L Fields
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Nancy Kusmaul
- Department of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
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The Impact of Natural Hazards on Older Adult Health: Lessons Learned From Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 17:e52. [PMID: 34725020 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With natural hazards increasing in frequency and severity and global population aging, preparedness efforts must evolve to address older adults' risks in disasters. This study elucidates potential contributors to the elevated older adult mortality risk following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico through an examination of community stakeholder preparedness, response, and recovery experiences. METHODS In April 2018, qualitative interviews (n = 22) were conducted with stakeholders in 7 Puerto Rican municipalities. Interview transcripts were deductively and inductively coded and analyzed to identify salient topics and themes representing participant response patterns. RESULTS The hurricane's detrimental impact on older adult health emerged as a prominent finding. Through 6 months post-hurricane, many older adults experienced unmet needs that contributed to declining physical and emotional health, inadequate non-communicable disease management, social isolation, financial strain, and excess morbidity and mortality. These needs were predominantly consequences of lengthy public service gaps, unsafe living conditions, interrupted health care, and the incongruence between preparedness and event severity. CONCLUSIONS In a landscape of increasing natural hazard frequency and magnitude, a pattern of older adult risk has become increasingly clear. Study findings compel practitioners to engage in natural hazard preparedness planning, research, and policy-making that considers the multiple facets of older adult well-being.
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Kusmaul N, Beltran S, Buckley T, Gibson A, Bern-Klug M. Structural Characteristics of Nursing Homes and Social Service Directors that Influence Their Engagement in Disaster Preparedness Processes. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2021; 64:775-790. [PMID: 34060986 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1933293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nursing home residents are an at-risk population during disaster situations, and nursing homes face unique challenges in managing disasters. Nursing home social service departments can support their nursing homes in meeting the needs of residents during disasters, yet there is little research exploring their involvement. To address this gap, we use secondary data from the 2019 National Nursing Home Social Service Directors' study to explore social service directors' and their departments' involvement in disaster preparedness and response, and personal- and nursing home-level characteristics that predict involvement. Results show that nursing home social service directors and their staffs are predominantly involved; 61.9% (n = 562) of respondents stated always participating, and an additional 20.3% (n = 184) usually participating in disaster planning. The age of the director significantly predicted involvement, with older directors being most likely to always be involved. Further research is needed to understand why some nursing homes involve their social service directors in disaster planning and others do not, what roles those directors play, and to identify strategies to increase involvement within this role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Kusmaul
- Department of Social Work , University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, United States
| | - Susanny Beltran
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, United States
| | - Tommy Buckley
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, United States
| | - Allison Gibson
- College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States
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Miller JB, Patskanick TR, D'Ambrosio LA, Coughlin JF. Staying Isolated in Order to Stay Safe: Exploring Experiences of the MIT AgeLab 85+ Lifestyle Leaders during the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2020; 63:694-695. [PMID: 32484753 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2020.1772437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie B Miller
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, MA, USA
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Beltran SJ, Miller VJ. COVID-19 and Older Adults: The Time for Gerontology-Curriculum across Social Work Programs is Now! JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2020; 63:570-573. [PMID: 32635823 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2020.1789257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susanny J Beltran
- School of Social Work, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida, USA,
| | - Vivian J Miller
- Department of Human Services, Bowling Green State University , Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
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