Special Aging Populations and Systems Linkages

Special Aging Populations and Systems Linkages educates professionals working in geriatric settings about the needs and issues of several emerging special groups within today's aging population. It gives readers examples, guidelines, and a theoretical framework for developing successful linkages between aging and non-aging service systems to meet the service needs of these special populations.By exploring the challenges and barriers faced by service systems attempting to work together, Special Aging Populations and Systems Linkages provides a blueprint to those working with cross-system interest groups, task forces, and councils. The book informs readers of the epidemiology, issues, and concerns of some specific populations of older persons including: persons with developmental disabilities alcohol and substance abusers cancer patients persons with HIV/AIDS the abused elderly older caregiversChapters in this timely book provide treatment experiences with these special populations and with linking systems as case histories for the professional. These case histories help social workers understand the needs of special older people with whom they work and facilitate negotiations among service systems and agencies so that older people facing special challenges secure the help they and their families need. Special Aging Populations and Systems Linkages asserts the absolute imperative for social workers and other geriatric professionals to understand the subpopulations which make up the 65-plus cohort in the U.S. and fosters creative thinking about service organization and practice issues generated by the diversity of this population.Students at all levels of gerontology programs; staff in the aging network (service personnel, administrators, and senior center directors); community service personnel; staff of Area Agencies on Aging; social workers in geriatric health care settings; public health educators; and social workers in service agencies for each of the special populations--mental retardation/developmental disabilities, cancer care, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, adult protective services, child welfare--can refer to Special Aging Populations and Systems Linkages for insight time and again as they strive to meet the diverse needs of the entire aging population.