101751: Social Work Today November/December 2010

About the Course:

Data Driven, People Focused—Technology Takes on Social Work Data management companies now realize making their products useful to social work means collaborating with frontline social workers and demonstrating in social service language and context how the technology helps providers and clients.

Making Caring Connections, Cutting Costs—Social Workers in the Emergency Department Emergency department healthcare can be fast, frustrating, fulfilling, and costly. Social workers in the emergency department help patients, staff, and the bottom line.

The Legacy of Addiction—A Form of Complex PTSD? Do the trauma symptoms of adult children of alcoholics resemble those of individuals with complex PTSD? If so, what are the implications for treatment?

Home Safe Home—Creating a Dementia-Friendly Environment Modifications to the home environment, daily lifestyle, and better understanding of the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of individuals with dementia can decrease risk and improve quality of life.

Journal/Publisher:

Great Valley Publishing

Publication Date:

November/December 2010

Authors

Claudia J. Dewane, DEd, LCSW; Christina Reardon, MSW; Michelle Seitzer; Jennifer Van Pelt, MA

About the Authors:

Claudia J. Dewane, DEd, LCSW, a clinical social worker for 30 years with a specialty in trauma work, is an associate professor of social work at Temple University.

Christina Reardon, MSW, is a freelance writer based in Harrisburg, PA, and contributing editor at Social Work Today.

Michelle Seitzer is the former public policy coordinator for the Pennsylvania chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association and a blogger at SeniorsForLiving.com.

Jennifer Van Pelt, MA, is a Reading, PA-based freelance writer with 15 years of experience as a writer and research analyst in the healthcare field. She has written on depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, mental wellness, and aging.

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for social workers, psychologists, counselors, and healthcare professionals who seek knowledge about mental health care. It is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Explain the circumstances that challenge the use of technology in social work and discuss proposed solutions.

2. Describe the similarities between complex PTSD and the experiences and symptoms of adult children of addiction.

3. Discuss the function of social workers in the emergency department including recent research about their contribution to reducing admissions.

4. Explain how professionals can advise caregivers on making the home environment safer, friendlier, and more stimulating for individuals with dementia.