Social Work Education for Practice in Health Care
Americans today are living longer. As 83 million Baby Boomers approach their 65th birthday, many policies must evolve to meet the needs of the growing aging population.
What are the implications for the health care system, which is already in a state of flux due to changes in insurance policy? Recent trends include an increased focus on long-term care in community settings with more hands-on involvement from family and friend caregivers; and more focus on preventative care and a team-based approach to holistic medicine.
Is the workforce ready to meet these demands? What do these trends mean for social work? Are social workers competent to perform their role in this changing environment? Does social work education prepare students to adequately meet the needs of the growing number older adults - and their caregivers?
The Social Work Education for Practice in Health Care report, a project of the Social Work Leadership Institute at The New York Academy of Medicine, was designed to answer these questions. The study identifies ways to strengthen the link between education and practice so that Masters in Social Work graduates are better prepared to work with older adults in health care settings. With the support of properly trained, aging savvy social workers many older adults will have a more positive aging experience.
The report is available to the general public at $5.00 per copy and at a discounted rate for 100 copies or more.
For more information, please send all inquiries to ppp@nyam.org.
