Final Project Once You Graduate And Obtain Your First 834885

Final Projectonce You Graduate And Obtain Your First Job Out Of Your M

Once you graduate and obtain your first job out of your Master of Social Work program, you may be asked to identify the gaps in services at your new agency. You may be asked to create a new group or help to identify a new evidence-based intervention that can be introduced to the clients. Understanding how to research the current literature, and then choose and evaluate an intervention, is an important component of being a successful social worker. For this course, you have researched new and interesting interventions that are currently being used with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Further, you have explored the importance of connecting theory to practice.

For this Assignment, you will practice steps in Evidence-Based Practice. 1) You will think of a practice problem. 2) You then conduct a literature review on available research. 3) You will evaluate the evidence to determine which intervention to use. 4) You will consider client values and your clinical expertise. 5) You will think about what you hope the client gains from this intervention (e.g., decreased depression, increased quality of life, decreased PTSD symptoms) and consider how you might measure this change. To prepare: · Use the population of the Elderly/Ageing. · Choose a presenting problem (depression, family conflict, homelessness, etc.) related to the population of interest. · Conduct a literature review focused on the presenting problem within the population of interest. Submit a 9-page scholarly paper supported with a minimum of six peer-reviewed articles as references. In the paper, you should: · Briefly describe the population and presenting problem you are focusing on for this assignment. · Provide a review of the articles you reviewed from this project and explain what you learned from conducting this research. · Briefly describe at least 2 evidence-based interventions currently used for your chosen population when addressing this particular problem. Provide supporting references when explaining the evidence behind the interventions. · Explain which of these interventions you might choose to use and why. · Consider client values and your clinical expertise and how those might affect your decision of which intervention to use. · Describe how you might apply the specific skills and techniques of the chosen intervention. · Briefly explain how you could measure the outcomes of this intervention. · Explain any cultural considerations that you need to take into account when working with this population or the particular presenting problem. · Discuss how the Code of Ethics applies when working with this particular presenting problem and population. · Explain how you would apply a trauma-informed lens when working with this population. Support your Final Project with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

Paper For Above instruction

The transition into professional social work demands a solid understanding of evidence-based practices, especially when working with vulnerable populations such as the elderly. This paper explores an intervention targeting depression among the elderly, a prevalent and impactful issue in aging populations. Through a comprehensive literature review, two evidence-based interventions are examined: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Reminiscence Therapy. The analysis evaluates their efficacy, cultural considerations, and alignment with ethical standards, highlighting the importance of integrating client values and clinical expertise.

The elderly, typically defined as individuals aged 65 and older, often face complex health and social challenges that can lead to depression (Blazer, 2003). Depression among seniors can stem from various factors, including loss of loved ones, chronic illness, social isolation, and functional decline (Fiske et al., 2009). Addressing depression in this population requires interventions that are adaptable to varying levels of cognitive and physical health, culturally sensitive, and aligned with ethical and trauma-informed care principles.

Conducting a literature review on depression interventions for the elderly reveals robust evidence supporting several approaches. For instance, Cuijpers et al. (2016) conducted a meta-analysis demonstrating that CBT significantly reduces depressive symptoms among older adults, particularly when tailored to address age-specific issues. Meanwhile, Reminiscence Therapy, which involves discussing past experiences to foster a sense of coherence and self-worth, has shown promise in improving mood and cognitive function (Wong et al., 2018). These interventions have been used extensively and supported by empirical evidence, making them relevant options for implementation in social work practice.

Both CBT and Reminiscence Therapy are widely used evidence-based interventions for depression in the elderly. CBT focuses on identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns, fostering behavioral activation, and developing coping skills (Hofmann et al., 2012). It has been adapted for older adults who may face cognitive challenges through simplified techniques and increased session durations. Conversely, Reminiscence Therapy emphasizes recalling and sharing past experiences to promote psychological well-being, social engagement, and a sense of identity (Wong et al., 2018). It tends to be particularly suitable for individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment and can be delivered in group or individual settings.

After reviewing the evidence, I would select CBT as the intervention of choice for clients with depression in the elderly. This decision is based on its strong empirical support, adaptability, and capacity to address both emotional and behavioral components of depression. Moreover, CBT's structured framework lends itself well to measuring outcomes, such as reductions in depressive symptom severity and improvements in functioning (Cuijpers et al., 2016). The intervention can be customized to respect clients' cultural backgrounds, incorporate their values, and align with their preferences, thereby promoting engagement and efficacy.

Applying CBT within this population involves techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and problem-solving training. For example, engaging clients in identifying negative thoughts related to loss or illness and developing alternative perspectives can diminish feelings of hopelessness. Behavioral activation encourages participation in pleasurable activities or social interactions, countering social withdrawal common among depressed elders. Clinicians must ensure that sessions are culturally sensitive, respectful of the client's life experiences, and appropriate for their cognitive capacity.

Outcome measurement is vital for evaluating intervention effectiveness. Standardized tools like the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) provide reliable assessments of depressive symptoms before and after treatment (Sheikh & Yesavage, 1986). Follow-up assessments can monitor sustained improvements and guide adjustments in treatment plans. Additionally, qualitative feedback from clients regarding their perceived well-being and social connectedness can complement quantitative measures.

Culturally, practitioners must be attentive to the diverse backgrounds of elderly clients. Factors such as language, religious beliefs, family structures, and cultural attitudes toward mental health influence engagement and outcomes. For example, some cultures may stigmatize mental health issues, necessitating sensitive framing of interventions. Incorporating culturally relevant examples and respecting traditional healing practices where appropriate can enhance rapport and efficacy.

Ethically, social workers are guided by the NASW Code of Ethics, emphasizing the importance of respecting client dignity, promoting client self-determination, and practicing cultural competence (NASW, 2021). When working with depressed elderly clients, practitioners must ensure confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and consider clients’ cognitive capacities in decision-making. Ethical practice also involves advocating for accessible, appropriate services and addressing systemic barriers that may impede treatment engagement.

Applying a trauma-informed lens involves recognizing the prevalence of trauma histories in older adults, including grief, loss, neglect, or previous adverse experiences. Such awareness informs compassionate care, ensuring that interventions do not re-traumatize clients and that their autonomy and safety are prioritized (SAMHSA, 2014). For example, understanding that discussing past losses may evoke distress requires sensitivity, pacing, and reassurance during therapy sessions.

In conclusion, selecting an appropriate evidence-based intervention for depression in the elderly involves integrating empirical evidence, client values, cultural considerations, and ethical principles. CBT emerges as a highly effective and adaptable approach, suited to diverse needs and capable of delivering measurable improvements. Ethical and trauma-informed practices further enhance the quality and cultural responsiveness of care, ultimately promoting better mental health outcomes in aging populations.

References

• Blazer, D. G. (2003). Depression in late life. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 48(3), 157–168.
• Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Reijnders, M., Pineda, D., De Wit, L., & Huibers, M. (2016). Meta-analyses of psychological treatments for depression in older adults. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 31(7), 744-757.
• Fiske, A., Wetherell, J. L., & Gatz, M. (2009). depression in older adults. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 5, 363–389.
• Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440.
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2021). NASW Code of Ethics. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-Three
• Sheikh, J. I., & Yesavage, J. A. (1986). Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Recent evidence and development of a shorter version. Clinical Gerontologist, 5(1-2), 165–173.
• SAMHSA. (2014). Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4816.pdf
• Wong, S. Y., Lee, D. T., & Ting, A. C. (2018). Efficacy of reminiscence therapy on psychological well-being of older adults: A systematic review. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 33(7), 1001–1013.
• Blazer, D. G. (2003). Depression in late life. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 48(3), 157–168.
• Fiske, A., Wetherell, J. L., & Gatz, M. (2009). depression in older adults. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 5, 363–389.