Inequalities in healthcare services cause biological, psychological and mental oppression among the elderly. Older people may be subject to treatment that does not suit their needs due to ageism inequalities in the healthcare system. For instance, when an older person suffers from suicidal thoughts, they are less likely to be committed in a mental health facility on the assumption that suicidal thoughts are logical in old age. The inaccurate perception can lead to severe consequences such as death or mental incapacitation in the long run.
The elderly face challenges of communication and attentiveness from healthcare workers, particularly patients with chronic ailments such as cancer. Doctors and nurses spend less time and simpler words explaining the patient’s condition because they feel the elderly cannot understand medical terms (Obbia et al., 2020). At the same time, healthcare workers also feel the elderly are less significant since they have lived long and instead care for the young who might have longer to live. The indiscrimination oppresses older adults by worsening their health conditions, increasing their suffering or untimely deaths due to negligence.
Empowering the Elderly Through Social Work
Social workers can empower the elderly by discussing the significant challenges they face in everyday activities and receiving equal rights as the younger generations. Talking about these issues with the concerned parties helps identify ways of involving the community, family, and institutions on how to handle the elderly (Obbia et al., 2020). Social workers can also empower the elderly by bridging the communication gap between older people and the younger generation in the community and institutions. Social workers can advocate for older people in healthcare and technological aspects, which can allow better communication (Obbia et al., 2020). For example, a social worker can offer therapy or counselling services to patients by explaining the correct diagnosis, the standard treatment and outcomes in a more caring and understanding manner. Finally, Social empowerment among the elderly is significant in improving their lives, self-worth and health. Social workers can advocate for older people’s self-help groups which involve committees comprised and headed by the population. Self-help groups empower the elderly through decision-making and creating policies that affect the group.
Psychosocial Theory in Social Practice
The social environment and experiences shape an individual’s behavior, such as the way of thinking, lifestyle, attitudes, and particular response to circumstances. When dealing with the elderly, it is more appropriate to use the psychosocial theory of development during practice. The theory argues that individuals develop through eight life stages that involve different psychosocial adjustments forming the foundation for different behaviors (Obbia et al., 2020). Thus, social workers must understand what an individual is going through for better practice and outcomes at each stage. For example, older people from 65 years and above are in the final stage of development, which involves feelings of despair and egotism. The theory also helps find ways in which the population can adapt to society, such as changes in relationships, life experiences, communication and status (Obbia et al., 2020). For example, the psychosocial theory can help understand the experiences of a retired militia whose life revolved around wars to help in developing new roles and goals.
Changes in Social Practices for the Elderly
Social work practices with the elderly have changed over time due to various aspects, including modernization, politics, and economic factors. Each elderly population at a given time belongs to a different generational experience which modifies their emotional, mental and psychological needs. For instance, older people in the 21st century belong to the baby boomer cohort who still feel young at 65 years, leading to more physical activity and emotional crisis due to unwillingness to get old (Obbia et al., 2020). The changes have influenced advancements in therapeutic methods, medicine, and new approaches to handling upcoming challenges (Obbia et al., 2020). For example, psychosocial therapies focus more on helping clients maintain the dignity of life, such as counselling on life goals and adapting to age-associated changes rather than psychotherapy, which only improves mental well-being.
Reference
Obbia, P., Graham, C., Duffy, F. R., & Gobbens, R. J. (2020). Preventing frailty in older people: An exploration of primary care professionals’ experiences. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 15(2), e12297. Web.