BOOK
REVIEWS
ÒThis book is about social work
practice with older adults—the Ôsilver tsunamiÕ as we baby-boomers
retire. The first part includes chapters on ways of categorising older adults
and their problems, assessing them, methods of interventions, and an interesting
chapter on stigma and older adults. Part II is about the problems encountered
in gerontological social work practice and includes chapters on
psychopathology, dementia, medical problems, substance abuse, sexuality, older
adult abuse, LGBT, and dying and death. The material appeared well set out and
the discussion seemed focused on the real world and was augmented by case
studies. It appeared adequately referenced with a 43-page bibliography.
This book provides a good introduction to gerontological care for students of
social work, for whom it was written, but should also be of interest to social
workers who work in palliative care, where an increasing proportion of their
patients will be older adults. And given the role-overlapping that exists in
palliative care, I thought it would be of interest to nurses and doctors who
are interested in the problems older people face, viewed from a slightly
different angle (i.e. social work), and how they can be managed.Ó –
Footprint Books
ÒThis book has a forward-thinking
orientation that reflects the reality of aging with older adults throughout the
aging life course... Dr. Youdin integrates an advanced clinical social work
practice with in-depth knowledge of evidence-based practice as well as
geriatric medicine, psychiatry and gerontology." -- The Lamp
"This book aims to integrate advanced clinical social work practice with in-depth knowledge of evidence-based practice as well as geriatric medicine, psychiatry and gerontology. The author advocates truly engaging with the older client in a variety of settings including nursing homes, assisted care facilities and hospitals, and discusses mental health issues associated with such settings. Major psychopathological problems common to older adults are addressed, along with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, medical and co-occurring psychological problems, sexuality and the unique vulnerabilities of LGBTI clients. Its fresh, interdisciplinary approach will provide a useful supplement to the nursing literature on aged care." -- NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association
"Clinical Gerontological Social Work Practice makes a valuable read for professionals who work with older or elderly individuals. Through a program that emphasizes a combination of theory, technique, advocacy, and more, it’s able to redefine how social workers interact with older adults."