Download the 2009 Hartford Annual Report pdf How Social Workers
Assist Older Adults
View the Interactive Chart
Conclusion

Building on the Success of Ten Years
of Transforming Social Work

The story of Beatrice demonstrates the essential contribution of social workers to the health and well-being of older adults. Beatrice was able to return to her independent life, and to be even more fully engaged because social workers helped her navigate the complex health care system and provided access to financial and community services that enhance her life. Thanks to the efforts of the dedicated professionals affiliated with the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Initiative programs, many more social workers are skilled to meet the challenges of a rapidly expanding older population. But the work is far from finished.

Given the aging of our population, it is imperative that other funders, deans and directors of schools of social work, social work faculty, students, and others join in the effort to ensure that social workers are prepared to care for the aging population. The independence, safety, and vitality of current and future generations of older adults depend on it.

Further reading:

Berkman, B. & Harootyan L. (Eds.)(2003). Social Work and Health Care in an Aging Society. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

Berkman, B. (Ed.) (2006). Handbook of Social Work in Health and Aging. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc.

Hooyman, N.R. (Ed.) (2009). Transforming Social Work Education: The First Decade of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Initiative. Alexandria, VA: Council of Social Work Education, Inc.

Hooyman, N.R. & Kiyak, H.A. (2008). Social Gerontology, A Multidisciplinary Perspective. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Rizzo, V. & Rowe, J. (2006). Studies of the Efficacy of Social Work Services in Aging with a Focus on Cost Outcomes: A Review of the Literature. Research on Social Work Practice, 16/ (1), 67-73.

Sisco S., Volland P., & Gorin S. (2005) Social work leadership and aging: meeting the demographic imperative ~ Health Soc Work; 0(4):344-7

Geriatric Social Work Initiative: GSWI: http://www.gswi.org/

Gero-Ed Center: http://www.gero-edcenter.org