Social workers should address seven domains in order to fully assess an elderly/aging client’s needs
Discussion: Self-Determination
According to Christ and Diwan (n.d.), social workers should address seven domains in order to fully assess an elderly/aging client’s needs, particularly those with chronic pain: physical well‐being, psychological well-being, cognitive capacity, ability to perform activities of daily living, social functioning, physical environment, and family caregivers. To conduct a geriatric assessment, a social worker should engage advanced interviewing skills and be mindful of dynamics that may prevent the client from having a voice in their own care.
Making decisions for older adults without their input occurs often. Caregivers may sometimes treat their elders like children—deciding for them based on what they think is best rather than drawing on the person’s expertise in their own life. While this may be well intentioned, a client’s self-determination can be stifled.
In this Discussion, you assess one elderly/aging client using the seven domains of biopsychosocial assessment of older adults. You also consider how you would bolster the client’s self-determination throughout treatment.
To Prepare
- Review the Learning Resources on social work practice with elderly/aging adults. Look, in particular, at the Biopsychosocial Assessment of Older Adults document.
- Access the Social Work Case Studies media in the Learning Resources and navigate to Magda.
- Consider how the seven domains of biopsychosocial assessment of older adults relate to the case. Complete an assessment for Magda and identify the choices that were made without her input.
By Day 3
Post an assessment of Magda’s situation that addresses the seven domains of biopsychosocial assessment of older adults. Fill in the gaps in content as necessary. Describe ways you would have supported Magda’s self-determination through the assessment and treatment-planning process. Include questions you would have asked Magda and her professional support system (doctors, nurses, etc.) to gain further insight into the situation.
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