The Critical Competencies Of Counseling The Elderly

To ensure that all possible clients of all walks of life are successfully benefiting from the counseling profession, advancement in the assessment field should be of a primary concern for present and future counselors. It is understood and respected that a multitude of counselors vary in the foundations of their theoretical framework and collectively not all counselors participate in assessment with their clients, but as the counseling profession continues to grow the demand of expansion is critical.

ETHICAL FRAMEWORK, LIMITS OF PROFICIENCY AND THE LIMITATIONS ON COUNSELLORS COMPARED TO OTHER PROFESSIONS THAT USE COUNSELLING SKILLS.

It was Eleanor Roosevelt who stated, "A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably” (Roosevelt). There is a great deal of truth in her statement. However, there are at least four additional characteristics that every well-functioning, effective person possesses. 1) An effective individual should demonstrate a life of integrity, committed to the truth despite how much it may hurt; and willing to speak truth into the lives of others even when it is humiliating and difficult. (A lesson learned from a very valued professor of mine.) 2) He is responsible and accountable for his own actions; and without blame, nor excuse, accepts the resulting circumstances and consequences. With humility, he willingly admits it when wrong. 3) An effective person must develop a learner’s attitude; and have a teachable spirit. He is willing to listen and expand his perspective; and able to keep an open mind. A mind that is receptive counsel, and responds to reproof. 4) A well-functioning person is available, open to interruption and accessible to others. He values and cherishes time well spent with people, and sets priorities and strives to maintain them. This is my purpose, my responsibility, my calling and I will strive to carry out all of

There are many potential problems associated with the use of elderspeak. One of the major problems relates to the potential of negatively impacting the self-esteem of those to whom it is being directed towards. It has also been reported that through the use of elderspeak, “staff may unknowingly reinforce dependency and engender isolation and depression… contributing to the spiral of decline in physical, cognitive, and functional status” (Williams et al, 2003). Healthcare providers who engage in elderspeak can actually contribute to the decline of their patients, representing the total opposite of good healthcare practice for which most healthcare workers strive to achieve. It has also been reported that the stereotyping of older adults can have an impact on the quality of information being relayed to the patient. For example, “providers have been found to provide more information, offer more support, and share more decision-making with clients who are younger compared to older adults” (Williams et al, 2004).

Admire or respect the information from a client who is considered by others of lesser or more value of a person by their perceived social value can add to counselor prejudice. The ability to see though perceptions that stigmatize clients in either way (for richer or poorer) is necessary to evaluate

Ageism and stereotypes of older people can have an important impact on their physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing. Negative stereotypes of older people being dependent and decrepit can be internalized and become self-fulfilling. These ageist thoughts and stereotypes can lead to older people not seeking health care in general and to not get treatment appropriate for their illness or medical condition due to their age and not based on any other factor.

According to the American Psychological Association, one in four adults ages 65 and older experiences a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or dementia. This is quite alarming because it is known that people with mental illness already receive poor care. Poor care combined with living in a society where aging is shamed causes a major concern.Negative stereotypes and attitudes are directed toward the elderly. For

As the population of older adults grows, health care and career opportunities will evolve. (Moody, 2015). Consequently, programming to address the unique needs of individuals in the aging population will be in demand. Senior Reach is a model for senior psychosocial support. The mission and structure of Senior Reach were explored via program resources, staff interviews, and service learning training. Moreover, self reflection determined if the career track merited further pursuit.

As a counselor, being aware of the theoretical approaches and which ones best suit your perspective on human nature, complications, and change for an individual is vital. Not only is understanding the approaches important, but the counselor’s own values and personal philosophy are equally fundamental for the counselor to do their job efficiently.

This biological age often gives rise to certain needs. The Maple article (2002) describes the history of the population boom, and warns current and prospective counselors about the professional needs this generation (known as the baby boomers) is going to need. This article discusses the skillset that baby boomers will need in professional assistances, such as respect of the elderly, and ability to advocate for their clients. With the largest age group reaching late adulthood, it will be interesting to see how society in the United States of America adjusts and changes to accommodate these individuals.

The mission of JFCS is to empower individuals to make positive changes through the implementation of professional, affordable counseling and support services within the greater Long Beach and West Orange County areas (JFCS, n.d.). JFCS currently offers a variety of programs serving the needs of children with services extending to meet the needs of older. Currently, JFCS offers programs to seniors as a way to support the older members to live with dignity and independence. Some of the older adult services currently offered include assessments and referrals, case management, counseling, support groups and financial assistance, regardless of the individuals’ religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. Additionally, many of the older adult support services offered by JFCS are available to those who provide care for an older adult. JFCS’s Director of Older Adult Services, Christina Goldman, MSW, ACSW, endorsed this project (personal communication, June 10,

In this reflective essay, I shall be representing a critical understanding of the Risks in view of, an older adult, as an alternative area of practice, to that of my own nursing Adult field. The scenario takes place, within a clinical acute setting, with following the use of Driscolls Reflective Model (1994), Driscoll uses a framework to reflect on the scenario, What? Happened, So, What? How you were feeling at the time, and Now, What? Actions to be taken. However, to maintain confidentiality, which is set by the (NMC) Nursing and midwifery council (2008) all names of places and patients names have been changed and I shall be using the pseudonym Mrs M, for an 85-year older patient.

“older people should be counseled against buying into negative stereotypes about aging, and instead they should focus on volunteering, and other empowering activities that promote increased self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. The community should be educated to promote positive views of aging and to dispel myths about aging. Programs that

Listening will be a very big part of our responsibility as future gerontologist. We had the assignment of being a person-centered listener during week 8 and this assignment helped me be more attentive when listening. This week, we are reading The Voices of the Informants, which explores Erikson’s eight psychosocial themes in the experiences of elders moving through old age. According to Erikson, Erikson & Kivnick, “Burdened by physical limitations and confronting a personal future that may seem more inescapable finite than ever before, those nearing the end of life cycle find themselves struggling to accept the inalterability of the past and the unknowability of the future, to acknowledge possible mistakes and omission, and to balance consequent despair with the sense of overall integrity that is essential to carry on. (p.56). These are the issues that older adults faces and when we take the time to listen to the elderly, they will appreciate that someone HEAR them. According to Rogers, “If I can listen to what he can tell me, if I can understand how it seems to him, if I can see its personal meaning for him, if I can sense the emotional flavor which it has for him, then I will be releasing potent forces of change in him.” (p. 332). As we listen, we are learning because the voices of the elderly are full of wisdom as we see when we read the Voice of the Informants. Sometimes the answers to the questions we have about that person is in the stories they tell. I often ask myself how I can prepare myself to be a great gerontologist, the answer lies in being a great listener and learning

Some challenges that counselors face when counseling older adults and elderly are effective communication; making sure the individuals understood the information provided. Elderly adults have already experienced physical and mental changes. Counselors have to be aware of the client's capabilities to participate in the decision making of their counseling sessions. They may have difficulty with hearing, or seeing, so as a counselor if given material, make sure the print is large enough for the client to read. Sometimes you may have to repeat things more than one. As a counselor, you should focus on certain things they may remember.  Some rewards of working with the older adults and elderly are that you get a chance to make a difference in someone's