The rapid decline of marriage and family as a social institution calls for understanding the family biblically and theologically. This course provides a Trinitarian theological foundation of family. The course will focus on practical insights for missional relationships so that families may thrive as they are on God’s mission amidst today’s unrelenting worldly pressures.

This is a survey course familiarizing multiple disciplines of students with the terminology, concepts, and scope of social, cultural and health topics of importance in any type of engagement of older persons. Students will gain an intimate understanding of the theories of aging, stereotypes, lifespan aging, models of aging, and caregiving. Biopsychosocial model of aging. Additionally students will be introduced to a broad range of professional involvements serving seniors.

In this course, students will utilize case reports, definition, discussion and determine where and how ethics apply to the various aspects of a case and to the individuals involved. Neglect, self-neglect, abuse (physical, mental, emotional, sexual, nutritional) are a few of the types of abuse common with elderly

This course engages the learner around spiritual care as part of the biopsychosocial model of care of the elderly. The elderly are both dispensers and receivers of spiritual caregiving. Sensitivity to understanding unfinished business, spiritual strengths and weaknesses, congruence and making meaning in the later years and at the end of life. Incorporating spiritual care helps healing, coping, hope.

This course looks at the unique aspects of social work practice pertaining to older adults and their families. Older adults face challenges in the later years that do not present at earlier ages, or present and need attended to in different ways than for younger adults or children. This course focuses on direct practice with older adults and their families. The course examines the social context of aging, the aging process, associated changes, and the effects on older persons and their families. Emphasis is on the nature of support systems and the social work role in maintaining and enhancing functioning and well being. The role of caregivers when elders are limited in their capacity to function independently is examined.

This course affords participants rich discussions, role plays, experience in interviewing seniors, identification of real-time community and family resources, creating an assessment and care plan. Students will engage with application of theories and strategies learned in prerequisite courses.