• Introduction
• Module 1: Substance Abuse in Older Adults
• Module 2: Supervision Specific to Older Adults
• Module 3: Depression in Older Adults
• Module 4: Caregiving for Older Adults
  • Overview
  • Video
  • Lecture Notes
  • Classroom Learning Activities
  • Written Assignments
  • References
  • Evaluation
• Acknowledgements

Module 4: Caregiving for Older Adults > Overview

Camille Huggins, LCSW, Christine Greer, LMSW, and Caroline Rosenthal Gelman, PhD, LCSW

Family caregiving is increasing at a rapid rate in the United States. Caregiving for older adults (aged 65 and older) impacts not only the primary caregiver and care recipient, but the entire family system. Caregiving can be an evolving situation that occurs from chronic illness or it can result from a sudden, unanticipated circumstance. In either case caring for an elderly family member can both negatively and positively affect the caregiver and the family system.

Family caregiving is broadly defined as unpaid assistance provided by relatives and/or friends to an older person who is unable to function independently. Family members and friends provide supervision and assistance to the care recipient. It is essential that social workers know how to assess caregivers' and care recipients' supportive and concrete needs and how to provide appropriate interventions.

Learning Objectives

• Understand caregiving for older adults, including prevalence, burden and positive impact.
• Know how to conduct biopsychosocial assessments of caregivers.
• Identify barriers that interfere with service provision for caregivers of older adults.
• Design and implement appropriate service plans to assist caregivers and their families.
• Identify signs of elder abuse (i.e. psychological, financial or physical).
• Work with caregivers and families of older adults to make referrals and to reduce caregiver stress.

© 2008 Silver School of Social Work

Permission is granted to reproduce these materials for educational use. Commercial reproduction is forbidden without written permission from the authors.