Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Social work with vulnerable adults'

The purpose of the project was to fund a medical respite program for homeless adults discharged from hospitals; too stabilized to remain in a hospital, and with recuperative needs too severe to remain on streets, or in a traditional shelter. This program will collaborate with other programs at the Weingart Center Association and local service providers to support homeless individuals. The Weingart Center Association, the hosting agency of this project, is located in Los Angeles County, California.

After conducting a review of the literature, the grant writer designed a medical respite program providing 24 hour shelter; access to care management; case management; access to medical professionals; nutrition needs; and psychosocial supports. After researching funding sources, the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation was determined to the most applicable match for funding of the project.

Actual submission and funding of the grant were not required for the successful completion of this project.

Older adults may face challenges during the aging process such as anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life. The purpose of this project was to develop music therapy groups for older adults who experience symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, identify potential funding sources, and write a grant to fund this program for Jewish Family and Children's Service in Long Beach, California. The Eisner Foundation was deemed the most suitable foundation for this grant proposal. The proposed music therapy groups were designed to decrease anxiety and depression symptoms and improve the quality of life among older adults in the Long Beach area. Participants will engage in listening, singing, and playing music along with reminiscing with other group members. The group will culminate in a performance for family and friends. Implications for social work practice are discussed. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant was not required for the successful completion of this project.

The baby boom generation is the fastest growing demographic. With their aging comes an increase in the loss of loved ones. Essential to the mental well-being of this population who are at risk for depression and mortality is bereavement support with the overall goal of reducing bereavement-related depression and grief. Geriatric bereavement related-depression is often overlooked by health care professionals or if it is recognized prescribed medication has been a preferred remedy instead of other options such as group therapy. The proposed Archstone Foundation grant will support an English and Spanish speaking bereavement support group for adults age 65 and over at Barbara J. Riley Senior Community Center, Downey, California. A 6-week psycho-educational course will provide attendees with depression and grief reduction techniques utilizing Reminiscence, Cognitive Behavioral and Cognitive Grief Therapy. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not a requirement for successful completion of this project.

The purpose of this project was to partner with a host agency, locate a potential funding source, and write a grant to obtain funding for a program for the chronically homeless individuals. The program assists chronically homeless individuals with a mental illness, suffering from substance abuse or veterans. A literature review was conducted in order to examine the success of a Housing First model, history of homelessness in America, and challenges faced by the homeless. The program will be located in Homeless Intervention Shelter and House (H.I.S. House) located in Placentia, California. The program consists of housing first, employment skills training, mentoring and financial literacy. Also, supportive services through case management assist in developing attainable short term and long term goals to promote self-sufficiency and improving the individual's quality of life physically, mentally and emotionally. Submission or funding of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.

Stigma toward adults with serious mental illness involves labeling, stereotyping, separation, status loss and discrimination. Stigma has been linked to lowered self-esteem, social isolation and withdrawal, and lowered quality of life. As providers of treatment and services, it is fundamental that social work professionals have knowledge regarding serious mental illness and stigma. This quantitative study evaluated the attitudes of 87 Master of Social Work students attending California State University, Long Beach. Respondents completed the Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-27) which evaluated attitudes toward a schizophrenic man presented in a case vignette. Measurements of the nine subscales measuring stigma had a total possible range of 3-27. Results showed correlation between age and pity, differences between ethnicity and stigma subscales, and between stigma subscales and gender. This study contributes to the understanding of stigma toward adults with serious mental illness and shows the need for curriculum that addresses mental health, cultural diversity, and stigma.

The purpose of this thesis project was to write a grant proposal to seek funding for a community integration program for adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The goal of the community integration program was to improve the overall quality of life for adults diagnosed with ASD, through the adaptation of the Skillstreaming Model. The Skillstreaming Model is a flexible, psychoeducational intervention with behavior modification techniques. A literature review was completed in order to identify the risk factors that the population faced. Additionally, foundations were researched for possible funding opportunities. Ultimately, the Weingart Foundation was selected as the best potential funding source. A grant proposal narrative was then written for the Autism Society of Greater Long Beach/San Gabriel Valley. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not a requirement for the successful completion of this project.

This study examined the effectiveness of specific practice approaches and interventions utilized within New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) outpatient treatment programs. The dependent variables were social goal achievement and overall goal achievement. The independent variables examined included health related services, same-age group services, combinations of services, community linkages, and harm reduction.

The principal aim of this study was to identify effective substance abuse treatment services for older adults through a secondary analysis of an existing data set with a purposive, non-probability sample. The sample consisted of 1,456 adults ages 50 and over in 22 (OASAS) outpatient addiction treatment programs throughout the state. After matching program survey data and client level data, binary logistic regression analyses addressed the pertinent control and interaction variables. The main finding was that programs that provided age-tailored services for older addicted adults had better odds of overall goal achievement by a factor of 2.25 (p<.01), and for each increase in the number of age-tailored services provided, programs improved their odds of overall goal attainment by 21.6 percent (p<.001). Strong age-tailored services were associated with 2.3 times greater odds (p<.01) of social goal achievement, and each increase in the number of age-tailored services led to 16.7 percent improved odds (p<.001) of social goal achievement. In addition, the conditions of having employment and older age were variables linked to better odds of overall goal achievement, while the conditions of having parents who were themselves substance addicted and having co-occurring mental illness were variables linked to overall poorer odds for these outcomes. This study verified existing assertions and extended our understanding of effective approaches for the addicted senior population.

Society values youth; this leaves the older population vulnerable to ageism especially when they are trying to find employment. Mature workers were greatly affected during the latest recession in 2007. Although older adults’ unemployment rate has lowered, older workers are experiencing longer weeks of unemployment than any other population. This thesis is a curriculum intended is to teach older adults how to present their skills and abilities for prospective employers. The curriculum aims to empower older adults who are seeking employment through a series of workshops that will be delivered in a group setting.

This curriculum was designed for older adults and their caregivers. The curriculum begins with an overview of the issue and addresses aging issues through six 3-hour sessions. The design was deliberate in nature to bring to light the importance of a social worker. It focuses on competence to work with families who seek caregiver model options, realities, and expectations of both the older adult and the caregiver, and what to look for in assisted living or aging in place. The importance of understanding cultural and spiritual aspects and their meanings in the caregiving process is emphasized. An extensive literature review identified various stressors among older adults and their caregivers and identified effective interventions to address their psychosocial needs based on evidence-based and empirically based research studies. This curriculum was designed to provide information and to bring awareness of the importance of empowerment of older adults and their caregivers.

The ownership of companion pets has increased steadily among the older adult population. This qualitative study examined the impact of companion pets on the well-being of older adults. The researcher developed the interview guide used in this study. Twelve older adults were interviewed.

Companion pets encouraged pet owners, who had at least one dog, to walk more. Companionship and a decrease in loneliness were two of the common themes in regards to the positive impact of pets on psychological well-being. More than half reported that their companion pets improved their social well-being by increasing their opportunities to meet new people. Almost half of the respondents reported that a decline in their own health was the main challenge they faced in taking care of their companion pets in older adulthood.

More research is needed on the impact of companion pets on the well-being of older adults.

The aging process comes with many challenges, including declining physical health, increased isolation and feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and development of dementia. Older adults who own pets often experience many benefits including increased levels of exercise and social engagement with their peers, decreased feelings of loneliness, and a stronger sense of purpose due to being responsible for caring for an animal. Research has shown that pet therapy can also be beneficial for older adults. The purpose of the project was to develop a pet therapy program for older adults, identify potential funding sources, and write a grant to fund the program at Jewish Family and Children's Services of Long Beach and West Orange County. The proposed program is a pet therapy program incorporating animal-assisted interventions into both group and individual therapy for older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, and isolation. Implications for social work practice are discussed. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not required for the successful completion of this project.

With the aging older adult population increasing, there is a need to educate and enhance caregivers network for support and to provide resources so caregivers will not feel burned out transitioning into the new life style. Caregiving can be a stressful job on top of one’s own responsibilities, which can lead to caregivers getting sick, as well as struggling at their own job. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to design educational workshops and to enhance awareness to caregivers for support aimed at increasing knowledge and utilization of existing services within Torrance, California to avoid burnout amongst caregivers and increase their coping skills. This project was developed on behalf of GetTogether Adult Day Healthcare Center. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not required for the successful completion of this thesis project.

The purpose of this project was to write a grant proposal and identify a potential funding source for the creation and implementation of a mental health intervention program for homebound older adults who experience depression and/or generalized anxiety disorders in Irvine, California (CA). An extensive literature review was performed, which helped understand the special needs of this population. A search for potential funding sources was conducted using the Internet and a grant database located in Orange County, CA. The California Wellness Foundation was chosen as the most appropriate funder because it meets all of the required criteria of the host agency, the City oflrvine, Lakeview Senior Center (LSC). The proposed program's goal is to provide mental health services to Irvine's homeboundolder adults to help them manage their challenges with mental health illness so as to live independent and productive lives. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.

The purpose of this thesis project was to write a grant proposal to secure funding for a mindfulness meditation training program for adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at Venice Family Clinic in Venice, California. A literature review was conducted to examine topics related to ADHD including the unique and challenging experiences of adults with ADHD. The purpose of the proposed program was to increase knowledge in participants about ADHD, improve their mindfulness skills, reduce their ADHD symptoms, and improve their perceived well-being. The Ralphs M. Parsons Foundation was chosen for the proposed grant funding. The actual submission or funding or this grant proposal was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.

The purpose of this grant proposal was to obtain funding to provide support groups for caregivers of older adults who have been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in the Los Angeles area. The purpose of the support groups was to increase caregivers' level of emotional well-being as they would have a social support system in place. The caregivers would also receive psychoeducational services relating to ESRD to better understand how they could care for their loved ones.

An extensive literature review was conducted to identify effective interventions for the target population and to locate potential funders. The support groups were designed to enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and/ or their care recipients as they learn coping strategies. The actual submission of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.

The purpose of this project was to create a curriculum for adults over age 50 who are searching for employment. Older adults are more likely to be unemployed longer after a job loss, need to return to work after retirement, need health insurance or need to supplement their retirement income. They may desire social interaction, and/or need a sense of meaning in their lives that being employed can provide. Older adults are more likely to experience lower self-esteem and isolation than younger adults. This curriculum includes a focus on identifying and strengthening internal and external strategies and support systems for adults over 50 who are looking for employment.

This curriculum incorporates modules on the job search process, coping with stress, identifying transferable skills, resume creation, building computer skills including online professional networks, interviewing, and networking. It is hoped this curriculum will provide older adults with the skills and strategies to build greater confidence and secure employment that meets their unique needs to enhance their quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the daily press, morning and evening papers respectively, describe homeless people and their situation from a number of chosen articles. Was there a possibility to make clear if the public opinion of homelessness has changed from a media perspective during the last five years? In order to meet the purpose of the study, the authors have used discourse analysis of the chosen articles as well as the theory of social constructions and the theory of stigmatizing. The articles have been chosen from the two largest daily morning papers and the two largest evening papers. From each article many rich and close quotations are used, which subsequently have been analysed and interpreted. The quotations used are those considered best illustrating the questions to the articles. The result of the study showed certain differences between the morning and evening papers and how they describe the homeless and their problems. Differences were also noticed among the people interviewed in the various articles. Also the choice of words used by both the journalists and the interviewed will affect how the text in an article will be perceived by the reader.

The purpose of this thesis project was to write a grant proposal to secure funding for a yoga therapy program, Yogi Paws Therapy, for young adults struggling with mental disorders at the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance’s (OCAPICA) Well(ness)essity Mental Health Department in California. A literature review was conducted to examine topics related to mental disorders among young adults including prevalence, risk factors, co-morbidity, and consequences. The purpose of the proposed program was to provide yoga therapy and reduce their depressive and/or anxiety symptoms and improve their perceived well-being. The Weingart Foundation was selected for the proposed grant funding. The actual submission or funding of this grant proposal was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the factors associated with psychological distress among older Vietnamese adults. Utilizing information from secondary data called the California Health Interview Surveys (CHIS), a quantitative research method was completed for this study. The study explored levels of psychological distress with several factors including demographic characteristics, language use and proficiencies of patients, patients' understanding of rights to request for an interpreter during doctor visits, number of visits to doctors' offices, language used by doctors during consultation (English, Vietnamese, or other), and lastly, quality of interaction with doctors.

The result of this study indicated significant relationships among several factors and the level of psychological distress among older Vietnamese adults. These factors, include: demographics, patients' understanding of rights to an interpreter, number of doctor visits, language used by doctors during consultation, and doctor-patient communication.

A Secondary Analysis was conducting with data from the SAMSHA's 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The model of behavioral health for vulnerable populations was utilized to select key variables in order to examine the alcohol use, health, mental health and alcohol use treatment of older adult Latinos. Data from 395 Latinos over the age of 50 who reported drinking alcohol in their lifetime were used. The results showed that Latino men over the ages of 50 tend to use alcohol above the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) low risk guidelines. Additionally, older adults who were in poverty, reported depression and anxiety over the past year, and reported alcohol dependence were more likely to seek mental health treatment instead of specialty alcohol treatment. The findings underscore the importance of social workers in mental health settings to not only assess older adults for depression and anxiety but also for alcohol use disorders.

Given the prevalence of homeless adults who experience a variety of co-occurring mental and substance use disorders, the purpose of this project was to identify a funding source and write a grant proposal to design and implement an integrated program that will address the needs of homeless adults with co-occurring disorders. The target area is Los Angeles County, more specifically, San Pedro, California. There are many risks associated with adults who experience co-occurring disorders, including chronically homelessness, poor health, high suicide rates, HIV I AIDS, and frequent interactions with the criminal justice system. The overarching goal of this proposed program is to decrease the prevalence of co-occurring disorders by offering effective treatment. The potential funding source for this project is the McMillen Family Foundation because the criteria of the grant guidelines were consistent with the nature of this program and identified population. The actual grant submission and/or funding of the grant was not a requirement for successful completion of this project.

Mental health professionals are increasing in the United States; however, research has shown that they continue to lack the tools to deliver age-appropriate services to older adults who suffer from substance use disorders. The proposed project is a short-term training program for mental health professionals employed by Pacific Clinics. The project aims to improve their overall direct service expertise by training clinicians on evidence-based treatments that include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, Brief Intervention and Treatment for Elders (BRITE), and Prevention BINGO. This proposed training will be hosted at the Pacific Clinics Training Institute in Pasadena, California. This agency provides strength-based perspective to deliver quality, evidence-based behavioral and mental health care services to the community. The actual submission and/or funding of the grant was not required to successfully complete this project.

Individuals and families experiencing homelessness experience a variety of hardships while living in temporary housing, in homeless shelters, and on the street. These can include mental health and substance use challenges and unawareness of lack of access to information regarding eligibility for MediCal, Medicare, and Veteran benefits. The purpose of this project was to develop a street-based program and seek potential funding to serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the city of Compton, California. The proposed program will provide street-based services on a weekly basis. Services include the provision of crisis intervention, education and linkages regarding benefits, and basic survival need items such as food, clothing, and personal hygiene products. The potential funding source for this grant is the Weingart Foundation as the goals of this foundation coincide with the goals of this proposed program. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant was not required for the successful completion of the project.

The purpose of this grant proposal was to develop and seek funding for implementation of an art therapy program for adults with developmental disabilities in Orange County, California. The clients of Westview Services' adult day programs located in Orange County will have an opportunity to participate in the proposed art therapy program.

Through a review of the literature on the needs and challenges as well as current services and interventions in place for individuals with developmental disabilities, the grant writer proposed and designed an art therapy program. This grant writer explored potential public and private funding sources, which yielded the Field Initiated Projects through the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research as the funding source with the most potential fitting the goals and objectives of this project.

The actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not required for the successful completion of this academic project.

The purpose of this project was to write a grant to implement an educational program for healthcare professionals employed by Kaiser Permanente (e.g., physicians, nurses, and social workers) on older adult sexual health. Topics would include the increased transference of sexually transmitted infections among the older adult population. The professionals would also acquire the tools needed to enhance their comfort levels when engaging in sexual health discussions with older adult patients.

The goals are to increase (1) the professionals' knowledge of sexuality and sexual behaviors among older adults and (2) their comfort levels when discussing sexual health with their older adult patients. A total of 2,100 healthcare professionals would participate during the funding period. The program would be evaluated by means of pre/post-testing of knowledge and comfort levels, as well as a satisfaction survey. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not requirements for the successful completion of this project.

The number of older adults has been steadily increasing into the millions, and˙ among this population are many older adults who identify as LGBTQ. The sub group of LGBTQ among the older adult population is underserved in the spectrum of physical and mental health. LGBTQ older adults live in the shadows of society due to stigma and discrimination of their sexual orientation or gender identity, inhibiting appropriate mental health care. The following chapters provide statistical mental health information, specifically depression among LGBTQ older adults. The literature review depicts the risk factors of depression in older adults and specific risk factors ofLGBTQ older adults. The grant proposal will allow LGBTQ older adults to seek mental health services for major depressive disorder, in a gay friendly environment. The program entitled, The Other Side of the Rainbow, will be facilitated at The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

The purpose of the grant proposed was to fund a Healthy Eating, Aging, and Living program (HEAL) for older adults age 50 and over at Union Station Homeless Services. The HEAL program is designed to help underserved older adults prevent, delay, or manage chronic illnesses through the provision of health and nutrition education, behavior modification support group, and Tai Chi exercises. An extensive literature review was conducted to identify the needs of the targeted population and to support the HEAL program goals and objectives. The California Wellness Foundation was selected as the funding source. Successful completion of this grant proposal thesis project was not contingent upon actual submission and/or funding of the grant.

The purpose of this proposed program was to link with a local host agency, discover a potential funding source and write a grant in order to obtain funding for a support group for families of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Moreover, the purpose of the project was to provide funding for a family support group by partnering with South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC). The program will be implemented at SCLARC, located in Los Angeles, CA. The support group was designed to provide families with interventions, resources, and the skills needed to continue caring for family members with DDs in the best way possible without reaching burnout. A literature review was conducted to thoroughly study the impact DDs have on the affected individuals and their family members. Research demonstrates that there are numerous families in need of emotional, social, and educational support as it also suggest the need of interventions for families.