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Connie Moody
Central Community Health Board
3909 Dickson Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Due to the increasing life expectancy and rapid growth of the elderly population in this country, we need to become
prepared to work with the "chronically gifted." Working with the elderly involves the utilization of unique skills and a basic
understanding of this age group.
The Crisis
I received a referral to see Dorothy, an 82 year old widowed, white female who as "suicidal". I made a home visit to
Dorothy, and she provided me with her history-she had worked at a Department Store for 30 years, her husband had died,
she had no children and her only living sibling, a younger brother, had dropped dead from a heart attack one month earlier.
One week following her brother's death, she lost the sight in her left eye due to hardening of the arteries, and she need to
have a surgery on her carotid artery in order to save the sight in her right eye. Dorothy was devastated and felt that she had
no reason to live.
How would you handle this situation? What would you do? What additional information would you need?
I have been working with the elderly population for over 10 years and have developed a hands-on practical approach. Assessing the elderly client involves assessing their social, psychological, medical, cultural and spiritual needs in order to be effective. Being creative and having a sense of humor is also helpful in working with this population.
In this workshop, we will examine case studies such as the one above and develop ways in which to resolve them. We will also have some opportunities to "role play," examine our own feelings about aging, myths about aging and our views about sexuality and aging.
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
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