You And A Few Of Your Fellow Learners Have Been Assigned To ✓ Solved

You and a few of your fellow learners have been assigned to

You and a few of your fellow learners have been assigned to construct a presentation on one of the following groups: Working with African-Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos; Working with Asian Americans and immigrants; Working with LGBTQIA2S+ people; Working with ableism or disability and lookism; Working with older people, spirituality, and religion.

Each person working on the presentation is researching and contributing specific slides that analyze issues of power, privilege, and oppression as they pertain to the chosen group, as well as strategies and approaches for practice when working with these issues.

This assignment requires you to submit the presentation slides you contributed to the presentation for an individual grade. By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following EPAs and specialized practice behaviors: EPAS Competency 1: Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. Related Assignment Criterion: Use person first language to discuss challenges that may arise from clients' cultures and from differences among people and cultural groups. Create slides that address chosen theme (or themes) related to culturally relevant practice.

Complete the following in your submission: Create slides that address chosen themes related to culturally relevant practice. Discuss theory applicable to the selected group. Discuss challenges that may arise from clients' cultures and from differences among people and cultural groups. Discuss techniques and best practices applicable to the selected group. Discuss how working with this group from an ADEI lens would be helpful.

Your slides are expected to meet the following requirements: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message. Express ideas clearly, employing correct grammar, usage, and mechanics. APA formatting: Use current APA style and format for references and in-text citations. Include all cited sources in a References slide. Resources: A minimum of three scholarly sources. All literature cited should be current, with publication dates within the past 5 years. Number of slides: 2–4 slides per group member.

Paper For Above Instructions

Working with older adults, spirituality, and religion is an essential focus in social work practice that demands an understanding of the unique challenges faced by these populations. To stimulate effective engagement, it is vital to apply a culturally relevant approach while addressing the complexities of power, privilege, and oppression.

History and Heritage: Historically, older adults have been marginalized within society, often seen as less valuable or less capable than younger individuals. This perception derives in part from ageism—a societal bias that deems younger individuals as more competent (López et al., 2021). The discrimination against older adults can lead to decreased access to resources, healthcare, and social support systems. It is essential to approach the study of older adults with a focus on their rich heritage, experiences, and contributions to society, recognizing the power dynamics entrenched in age-related biases (Boudiny, 2020).

Current Events: The intersection of older adulthood and current societal challenges has been underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many older adults faced significant challenges, including isolation, limited access to healthcare, and increased mortality rates. Engaging with current events sheds light on the urgent need for enhanced support systems that address these vulnerabilities while respecting the inherent dignity of older adults (González et al., 2020).

Privilege and Oppression: Power dynamics are critical when analyzing older adults' experiences, particularly concerning the intersectionality of age, disability, race, and socio-economic status. Privilege can manifest in terms of access to resources—those with higher socio-economic backgrounds often have more comprehensive healthcare coverage and social hour opportunities. Conversely, marginalized older adults may experience compounded oppression due to intersecting identities, requiring a nuanced understanding in practice (Hoh, 2021).

Education and Employment: Older adults often face challenges related to education and employment, culminating from age discrimination and stereotypes surrounding their capability to learn or adapt (Gilleard & Higgs, 2021). This demographic may struggle to enter the workforce or receive the training necessary to stay relevant in an ever-changing labor market. As social workers, understanding these barriers is vital for advocating for equitable education and employment opportunities for older adults, showcasing their potential rather than their limitations.

Healthcare: Access to healthcare services is a prominent concern for older adults, particularly for those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. The emphasis should be placed on person-first language, such as “older adults with diabetes” rather than labeling them strictly as “diabetics,” which acknowledges their identity beyond their health challenges (Molina et al., 2019). It is essential to advocate for comprehensive healthcare policies that reflect an understanding of the unique needs of this population, ensuring they receive adequate medical attention and support.

Family Structure & Gender Roles: Understanding the family structure of older adults is fundamental in social work practice. This structure may be influenced by cultural backgrounds, values associated with gender roles, and changes in societal norms. A practice incorporating these dynamics fosters supportive family environments where older adults can thrive, emphasizing their roles as valued family members. Additionally, examining how traditional gender roles impact the caregiving experiences of older adults can provide insights into effective intervention techniques (Cacchione, 2020).

Religion and Spirituality: Many older adults hold deeply rooted religious or spiritual beliefs, often turning to these beliefs for comfort, meaning, and guidance through life's transitions. Social workers must respect and integrate these beliefs into their practice to foster holistic growth, healing, and support (Lepore et al., 2020). Moreover, understanding the diverse ways spirituality manifests across cultures is critical for advocating for culturally competent care.

Best Practices: When engaging with older adults, social workers should utilize best practices grounded in empathy, dignity, and respect. Implementing person-centered approaches and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between healthcare providers and social service agencies can facilitate comprehensive care for older adults, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their preferences respected (National Association of Social Workers, 2019).

ADEI Lens: Applying an Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) lens is invaluable in promoting justice and equity for older adults. By recognizing the intersectional challenges older adults face, social workers can advocate for systemic changes that dismantle oppressive structures, ultimately fostering a societal environment where all older individuals can thrive, regardless of their backgrounds or identities (O’Leary et al., 2021).

In conclusion, working with older adults necessitates a robust understanding of their unique experiences and challenges. By incorporating themes of history, current events, privilege, oppression, and diversity within social work practice, practitioners can better equip themselves to advocate for and empower these populations. The use of person-first language, culturally relevant practices, and an ADEI lens will ensure that the voices and needs of older adults are central to the conversation and that they receive equitable representation in all spheres of life.

References

  • Boudiny, K. (2020). Ageing and the Principle of Justice. Ageing & Society, 40(4), 723-740.
  • Cacchione, P. Z. (2020). The Role of Family in Supporting Older Adults’ Independence. Journal of Family Social Work, 23(2), 103-120.
  • Gilleard, C., & Higgs, P. (2021). The Ageing of Society: A Challenge to Assumptions About the Future. Journal of Aging Studies, 59, 100949.
  • González, M., et al. (2020). The Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(10), 8-14.
  • Hoh, W. (2021). Understanding Anti-Ageism in the Context of Social Work. Social Work, 66(2), 175-184.
  • Lepore, P., et al. (2020). Spirituality in Social Work with Older Adults: Ethical Considerations. Social Work, 65(3), 247-255.
  • López, D, et al. (2021). Exploring Ageism: The Perception of Older Adults in Society. Critical Social Policy, 41(1), 52-69.
  • Molina, M., et al. (2019). The Importance of Language in Relating to Older Adults: A Person-First Approach. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 31(1), 83-99.
  • National Association of Social Workers. (2019). Standards for Social Work Practice with Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/
  • O'Leary, M. J., et al. (2021). Social Work in the Aging Context: A Review of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives. Aging & Mental Health, 25(3), 453-457.