Helping Those In Need For Your Final Paper

Helping Those in Need For your Final Paper, you will select a target population from a list

For your Final Paper, you will select a target population from the following list: Women and children, Elderly, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Immigrants, Veterans, Mentally ill, Disabled.

Your final paper must include the following: research and examine the history of social welfare policy as it pertains to this population, discussing their specific needs from a social welfare program. Have they been oppressed or discriminated against, suffered from lack of income or homelessness, or have other needs such as access to healthcare? Identify the laws passed and programs established that have helped or restricted their access to care and support.

Identify the philosophical attitudes and perspectives that have led to either support or marginalization of this group. Describe the types of resources currently available in your area for this population. Discuss any relevant personal experiences or insights related to this population, if applicable. Explain the roles human service workers perform when working with this population and highlight the characteristics necessary for workers in these roles.

Discuss the beneficial interventions or strategies. Include how this population could be better served and list at least two ways human service workers could act as agents of change on their behalf.

Paper For Above instruction

The social welfare landscape has evolved considerably over the decades, shaped by shifting societal attitudes, legislative reforms, and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of marginalized groups. The selected population for this analysis is the elderly, a demographic that has historically faced significant challenges such as age discrimination, economic insecurity, access to healthcare, and social isolation. This paper explores the history of social welfare policies affecting the elderly, the philosophical underpinnings influencing these policies, current resources, and strategies for improved support through human service work.

Historically, the treatment of the elderly has been influenced by societal views on aging and productivity. In early American history, the elderly often relied on family support, with minimal government intervention. The advent of formal social welfare programs, such as the Social Security Act of 1935, marked a pivotal shift by establishing a safety net for retired and disabled workers. Social Security significantly reduced elder poverty and symbolized a societal recognition of the need to protect aging populations (Miller, 2016). Subsequently, Medicare and Medicaid, enacted in 1965, extended access to healthcare for the elderly, addressing critical needs as age-related health issues became prominent (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2022). Despite these advances, disparities persist, especially among minorities and impoverished elders who often face barriers to accessing services.

The philosophical attitudes towards the elderly have oscillated over time. Early perspectives often viewed aging as a natural decline that warranted minimal intervention, emphasizing independence and self-reliance. However, social welfare policies reflect a broader societal shift towards recognizing aging as a vulnerable stage requiring support and dignity. The principles of social justice, compassion, and equity underpin current policies, although some critiques argue that structural ageism still marginalizes older adults, especially those from marginalized communities (Johnson & Lee, 2018). This marginalization is reinforced by stereotypes that equate aging with decline and dependency, sometimes leading to policies that inadvertently prioritize economic considerations over comprehensive elder care (Baker, 2020).

Resources available for the elderly in most areas include senior centers, meal programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation services, healthcare clinics, and legal assistance programs. Local government agencies and non-profit organizations partner to provide these services, aiming to promote social engagement, health, and independence. For example, in urban settings, the availability of community-based programs enhances quality of life and counters social isolation (Smith & Jones, 2019). However, access disparities still exist, particularly in rural or underserved areas where resources are scarce. Personal experiences or insights highlight the importance of community-based support and the need for culturally sensitive services, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of aging populations.

Human service workers play a vital role in supporting the elderly by evaluating their needs, connecting them to services, advocating for their rights, and providing emotional support. Essential characteristics for these workers include empathy, patience, cultural competence, and advocacy skills. Effective workers are those who understand the complex interplay of health, social, and economic factors influencing aging and can navigate systems effectively to secure resources (Johnson & Smith, 2021). They also work to empower elders, promoting independence and dignity while respecting personal choices.

Interventions beneficial for the elderly include comprehensive case management, mental health counseling, facilitation of social activities, and health promotion initiatives. Strategies such as community outreach programs and integrated healthcare services have demonstrated success in improving health outcomes and reducing social isolation (Green et al., 2020). To better serve this population, community-based models emphasizing preventive care and social inclusion should be expanded. Human service workers can act as agents of change by advocating for policy reforms that increase funding for elder services and by developing culturally competent programs tailored to diverse aging populations. Additionally, fostering intergenerational programs promotes understanding and support between generations, helping to reduce ageism and enhance societal cohesion (Kim & Lee, 2017).

In conclusion, addressing the needs of the elderly requires a multifaceted approach that considers historical context, societal attitudes, available resources, and the crucial role of human service workers. By advocating for equitable policies and designing inclusive programs, human service professionals can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults, ensuring they receive the respect, care, and opportunities they deserve in a rapidly aging society.

References

• Baker, L. (2020). Ageism in healthcare: Overcoming barriers and stereotypes. Journal of Elder Care, 15(3), 45-57.
• Green, P., Thomas, R., & Liu, S. (2020). Community-based interventions for aging populations. Health & Social Care Journal, 8(2), 120-130.
• Johnson, M., & Lee, C. (2018). The impact of societal stereotypes on elder policy development. Social Policy Review, 4(1), 89-105.
• Johnson, S., & Smith, A. (2021). Characteristics of effective human service workers in elder care. Journal of Social Services, 22(4), 256-271.
• Miller, R. (2016). The history and evolution of social security in the United States. Public Policy & Aging Report, 26(1), 28-33.
• Smith, J., & Jones, T. (2019). Urban elder resource programs: A review of services and impacts. Urban Social Work, 3(2), 77-89.
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2022). Senior support and health programs. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/aging