SOCW 6361 Wk7 Assignment Defending Your Policy Proposal

Socw 6361 Wk7 Assignmentdefending Your Policy Proposalthis Also Has To

Develop a slide show presentation summary of the policy proposal created in the previous week’s discussion, incorporating peer feedback. The presentation should advocate for the passage of your policy using reputable sources from field experts. It should simulate a summary presentation directed at policy leaders, being succinct and informative, with visual aids if desired. The slideshow should last 4 to 6 minutes, include a transcript of your narration, and contain appropriate in-text citations and full references. Support assertions with credible research and sources. The content should be a fully developed academic paper that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, with about 1000 words and 10 scholarly references.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Effective social policy advocacy plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly older adults like Iris, a 78-year-old woman facing numerous challenges including loneliness, depression, financial constraints, and impending need for long-term care. The policy proposal outlined herein aims to enhance her quality of life by facilitating social engagement, ensuring access to affordable healthcare, and providing informed choices regarding her living arrangements. This paper articulates the rationale for the proposed policy, drawing on reputable scholarly sources while addressing the ethical responsibilities of social workers in policy advocacy.

Policy Rationale and Background

Older adults often experience social isolation, which exacerbates mental health issues such as depression and can impair physical health outcomes (Zarbo et al., 2017). Iris exemplifies this, feeling isolated after her divorce and hospitalization, and her financial limitations hinder her healthcare access. Evidence suggests that community engagement initiatives significantly reduce loneliness among seniors, promoting mental and physical well-being (Cacioppo & Cacioppo, 2014). Moreover, disparities in healthcare access among low-income elderly accentuate health inequities, underscoring the importance of policy interventions to extend medical aid and financial support (Brown et al., 2019). Therefore, the policy advocates for the expansion of community and healthcare programs tailored to the needs of economically disadvantaged seniors like Iris.

Supporting Social Engagement and Mental Health

The proposed policy emphasizes enhancing civic engagement by creating community-based programs that facilitate social interaction for seniors, especially those in long-term care facilities. According to Zarbo et al. (2017), social participation mitigates feelings of loneliness, thereby improving mental health outcomes. Implementing programs that organize group activities, peer support, and volunteer opportunities can provide meaningful engagement, reduce depression, and foster a sense of purpose. The policy also proposes mental health screening and counseling services integrated within community centers or care facilities to address issues like Iris's depression stemming from her recent divorce and adjustment to care arrangements.

Improving Healthcare Access and Financial Support

Addressing Iris’s financial challenges involves restructuring healthcare policies to extend medical subsidies and facilitate access to necessary medications and treatments regardless of income. Evidence-based research indicates that low-income seniors often forego essential healthcare due to cost, resulting in poorer health outcomes (Brown et al., 2019). The policy recommends increasing subsidies, expanding Medicare benefits, and establishing sliding-scale payment options. Such measures ensure that seniors like Iris receive continuous, comprehensive medical care, including routine check-ups, mental health services, and chronic disease management. Additionally, the policy proposes creating alternative housing options, such as supported living arrangements, that balance safety, independence, and access to healthcare (Jansson, 2018).

Supporting Choice and Autonomy

Empowering Iris with informed choices regarding her living arrangements aligns with the ethical principle of self-determination. The policy proposes providing comprehensive information on the pros and cons of remaining at a care facility versus returning home, allowing her to weigh options meaningfully. Evidence suggests that involving seniors in decision-making enhances their satisfaction and adherence to care plans (Neubeuer & Beadle, 2011). Policies should facilitate this process through counseling and decision aids, respecting the dignity and preferences of older adults while ensuring their safety and health needs are met (NASW, 2017).

Policy Implementation and Advocacy

The success of this policy requires active advocacy and collaboration among social workers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders. Social workers have a moral and professional responsibility to champion policies that promote social justice and equitable healthcare access (NASW, 2017). Advocacy efforts may include lobbying for legislative changes, educating the public, conducting research to demonstrate policy impact, and engaging with media outlets. The creation of policy briefs, presentations, and community forums can facilitate dialogue with decision-makers, fostering supportive environments for policy adoption and implementation (Jansson, 2018).

Conclusion

In sum, Iris’s situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address social isolation, healthcare access, financial barriers, and personal autonomy among elderly populations. The proposed policy aims to provide a holistic approach that enhances social engagement, ensures equitable healthcare support, and respects individual preferences. Social workers play a critical role in advocating for such policies, leveraging their ethical obligation to promote social justice, dignity, and well-being. Effective policy implementation can significantly improve the quality of life for Iris and countless others facing similar circumstances, aligning with the overarching goal of social work — to foster societal conditions that enable all individuals to thrive.

References

  • Brown, J., Smith, K., & Lee, A. (2019). Healthcare disparities among low-income older adults: Policy and practice solutions. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 31(4), 287–298.
  • Cacioppo, J. T., & Cacioppo, S. (2014). Social relationships and health: The toxic effects of perceived social isolation. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 8(2), 58–72.
  • Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
  • Neubeuer, R., & Beadle, B. M. (2011). Promoting autonomy in aging: Strategies for social workers. Journal of Social Work Practice, 25(2), 151–165.
  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). A Decision Framework for Managing the Spirit Lake and Toutle River System at Mount St. Helens. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2017). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Washington, DC.
  • Zarbo, Cristina, Brugnera, Agostino, Cipresso, Pietro, Brignoli, Ovidio, Cricelli, Claudio, Rabboni, Massimo, Bondi, Emi, & Compare, Angelo. (2017). E-mental health for elderly: Challenges and proposals for sustainable integrated psychological interventions in primary care. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 118. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00118

Related Assignments