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Home Courses I teach Social Work Program Social Work with the Elderly Who are the elderly • Over 65 - 13% of population • By 2030, One in Five Americans will be over 65 • What is considered old? – Qualitative Age – Quantitative Age Characteristics • Snow Birds • Only 5% in nursing homes • Widowhood, remarriage, repartnering • Caring for grandchildren • Part-time employment • Increased economic security –1960 33% poor – 10.5 % poor in 1995, but many more 'near poor' – Minorities and women at greater risk Physical health •1994, 70% report their health as good or excellent • Only 5% severely disabled • 11.8% between 65-74 have difficulty with ADL's • Often multiple, chronic conditions • Dementia 2-15% • Depression • Improvements due to Medicare Family issues • Caregiver stress • Sandwich generation Type of services for elderly • Home health care - visiting nurse • Meals on wheels • Senior Citizens Centers • Case Management • Adult Foster Care • Supported, semi-independent residential facilities • Basic nursing care • Skilled nursing care and rehab • Hospital and Hospice End of Life issues •85% of lifetime medical care used year before you die • Majority die in hospitals • Living wills • Durable power of attorney • Euthanasia • Assisted Suicide |