Gerontological Social Work and the Grand Challenges: Focusing on Policy and Practice

Description

The growing number of older adults in the United States poses a significant challenge to families, healthcare systems, mental health services, and many other caregiving groups. Using the Grand Challenges for Social Work initiative as a framework, this text evaluates critical policies and issues pertaining to older adults, identifying both the overall systemic inequalities currently working against older adults as well as specific areas that require updated policies and interventions. It calls for active attention to the implementation of science-based research, policy, and practices to promote health and well-being. Among the topics addressed: Family violence against older adultsDisaster planning and preparednessBuilding financial capability for aging familiesHealth needs of incarcerated older adultsClosing the gap in healthcare services for older adultsSocial isolation and its effects on mental health and well-being A useful gerontology resource for students, social work scholars, and practitioners, Gerontological Social Work and the Grand Challenges advocates for justice and equal opportunity for older adults, and highlights important social issues that must be urgently addressed in the near future. Front Matter ....Pages i-xx Ensure Healthy Development for All Youth (James P. Gleeson, Qiana R. Cryer-Coupet, Tyreasa Washington)....Pages 1-17 Close the Health Gap (Tamara Cadet, Shanna L. Burke, Adrienne Grudzien)....Pages 19-31 Stop Family Violence (David Burnes, Joy Ernst, Patricia Brownell)....Pages 33-45 Advance Long and Productive Lives (Andrea L. Jones, Stacey R. Kolomer)....Pages 47-60 Eradicate Social Isolation (Alicia M. Sellon)....Pages 61-74 End Homelessness (M. Lori Thomas, Laneshia Conner, Othelia Lee, Cheryl Waites Spellman)....Pages 75-91 Create Social Responses to a Changing Environment (Allison Gibson, Nancy Kusmaul, Skye N. Leedahl, Victoria M. Rizzo)....Pages 93-110 Harness Technology for Social Good (Paul P. Freddolino, Fay Keys)....Pages 111-123 Smart Decarceration (Meredith L. Stensland, Sara Sanders)....Pages 125-139 Reducing Extreme Economic Inequality (Joan Davitt, Sol Baik)....Pages 141-155 Financial Capability in Later Life (Cal J. Halvorsen, Stephanie Skees)....Pages 157-168 Achieving Equal Opportunity and Justice (Laneshia Conner)....Pages 169-181 Back Matter ....Pages 183-186