By Judith R. Peres, MSW, LCSW-C It may seem as though there is never a good time to talk about death and dying. Often, loved ones are uncomfortable discussing the topic – particularly if they are relatively healthy. Although these conversations are often difficult to...
Seniors & Aging
Long-Term Care Insurance: Do I Really Need to Think About This?
By Brenda Wilson, MSW, LCSW, CEAP Introduction Who Needs Long-Term Care Insurance? What to Look for in a Long-Term Care Policy When Should You Buy Into a Long-Term Care Insurance Policy? How Do I Find Out More About Long-Term Care Insurance? Introduction...
Serving Seniors With Disabilities
By Irene V. Jackson-Brown, PhD, CSA, and Stephanie I. Thomopoulos, MSW, BCD, CMC Introduction According to the National Health Interview Survey (2000-2005), slightly over one-third of all adults in the United States have a condition that is "activity limiting"....
Access to Health Care for Older Adults
Introduction Disparities in Clinical Trials Public Policies Introduction Ideally, all Americans should have equal access to physicians, hospitals, and medical tests in their communities. The fact is that large disparities exist in access to U.S. health care...
Is it Late Life Depression or Grief?
Grief that becomes serious and persistent inhibits the healing process and increases the risk for depression and other psychological disorders.
Death & Dying: How Social Workers Help
Introduction Here are several articles illustrating how social workers help terminally ill individuals and their families. How Social Workers Keep the HOPE Alive in Hospice The Role of Social Work in Hospice and Palliative Care Social Workers and Hospice
Depression in Older Adults FAQ
By Diane Palmer, MSW, LCSW Isn't depression a normal part of aging? What are the causes of depression among older adults? What are the symptoms of depression? Can a person who is depressed snap themselves out of it? Is depression treatable? What is the...
Alcohol and Aging: Myths and Realities
By Stephanie Williams, LCSW, ACSW Introduction Mr. Collins Seniors and Problem Drinking Mrs. Carlson How Many Are Too Many Drinks? Receiving Treatment Alcohol's Effect on the Body Introduction Mrs. Jones, age 76, is unsteady on her feet, has tremors in...
Arthritis, Exercise, and Treatment
By Yvette Coln, MSW, ACSW, BCD What Is Arthritis? Should People With Arthritis Exercise? How Does Exercise Fit Into a Treatment Plan for People With Arthritis? What Types of Exercise Are Most Suitable for Someone With Arthritis? How Does a Person With Arthritis Start...
Providing Support to Elderly Immigrants
By Susan Winston, MSW, LCSW The fastest growing segment of the population in the United States are seniors over the age of 85. Older persons in the United States are faced with many challenges. According to The Merck Manual of Geriatrics, Americans over age...
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Recent Articles
A Letter to LGBTQIA2S+ Kids, Youth from Social Workers
We write this letter to LGBTQIA2S+ kids and youth to express deep gratitude that you exist, because our world would be incomplete without you. We honor the richness of your authenticity and openly proclaim that you are perfect exactly as you are. Ralph Waldo Emerson...
Ask a Social Worker: My son is being bullied
My 12-year-old son is getting bullied in school. He is not very athletic or popular but excels in his classes and band. But I’m worried. He complains he is sick more and wants to stay home instead of going to class. I think he is depressed. Some of the bullying may be...
Ask a Social Worker: My son is threatening suicide
At the beginning of the pandemic, my son, who dropped out of college, became really withdrawn. He is now threatening to commit suicide. We called a hotline and they suggested family therapy. But my partner, his father, doesn’t believe him. He thinks he’s manipulating...