Social Gerontology: A College Major. @anad0211 - Tumblr Blog

In Conclusion...

I wanted to share what I view as an important aspect in our society. That all individuals regardless of age deserve to be treated with the upmost respect. Too often, the aging population is disrespected, and viewed as a burden on society. I believe that the aging population needs more individuals to look after their best interests. I view them as the wisest of our society, and look forward to aiding them live their golden years in harmony.

The Gerontological Society of America

This is the best website to answer all questions pertaining to Social Gerontology.

Choosing a major is in part based on the answers to these questions of interest, abilities, values, motivations and realities. Answering these questions will help determine whether a major will be a good fit for you. It is unwise to attempt to choose a major by connecting it specifically with a career without self-assessment, without knowledge of the world of work, without knowledge of what is required by the major department, and without good decision-making skills.

Nancy Hooyman, UW Professor and an instructor of the Certificate in Gerontology, describes the growing need for expertise in Gerontology, the challenges being faced in the field, and how the certificate addresses them.

A community college is a great way to earn your Associates Degree and Transfer Degree; the tuition cost is low, and they provide flexible course times for your busy schedule. Above is a link to my college's Human Service's Degree Program.

Associates Degree in Human Services

Currently, I am a full-time student at the Harrisburg Area Community College Gettysburg Campus, majoring in Human Services. With this degree, I plan on graduating and working full-time in the social service's department at an elder care facility. While working, I plan to also work part-time on earning my B.A. in Social Gerontology at Shippensburg University.

Studying Social Gerontolgy: Is this Major Right for Me?

The biggest strength one must have when working with the elderly is compassion, trust and patience. I know that these are my personal strengths, but will these strengths coincide with the required work in earning my degree in Social Gerontology?

As a student, one must question if their decided major will blend easily with their strengths and future goals. The website www.gustavus.edu enabled me to breakdown my inquiries of if my major will suite me into four easy questions.

Tamara Warta of lovetoknow.com notes, ‘To work with the elderly, one must have compassion and patience.'

To read more of Tamara's explanation of what it takes to work with the elderly, please click on the above link.

Interview with Summer Morrison-Groff: Working in Elder Care in South Central Pennsylvania

1) What elder care company do you work for, and how long have you worked for them?

I worked for a company called A Gift of Time, I worked there for 5 years. We worked with the Office of Aging, caring for low income elderly people and did elder advocacy, helping them receive benefits that they were unaware of. Also letting them know that they did have a voice when it came to nursing homes or staying in their own homes.

2) What educational degrees or certificates did you complete to work for this company?

I received a Medical assistant degree, and took a class though Office of Aging.

3) What made you decide to want to work with the aging population?

My grandparents were low income and my grandfather suffered from Alzheimer disease. There was no help for them, not that we were made aware of. My grandfather was put into a poorly run nursing home. I removed him from there and brought him to live with me. We did not know that there were so many options out there for either of them. After they passed away I decided to research this crisis and become an advocate.

4) What is the best part of helping the aging population?

Knowing that I am able to give back to them. My hope is that I am able to help them enjoy this stage of life. There are so many elderly people that have no one and they just get lost in the system.

5) What hurdles do you come across working with this specific population?

Financial hurdles. This generation worked hard all of their lives and many have no pensions. They are living on Medicare and Social Security. Office of Aging is stretched thin and there are too many waiting lists. Many from this generation are also Veterans or Widows of Veterans and have no idea that there is different benefits that they are even qualified for. This is so frustrating. There is not enough education put out there on this topic.

A Day in the Life of an Elderly Social Care Worker

Elder care for Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

According to www.thirdage.com, there are 16 retirement homes with an average of 100 beds per home for Cumberland County, PA alone. www.Caring.com notes that there are 14 in-home care services for Cumberland County. That is a lot of people looking to receive care!

Office of Aging & Community Services

This is my county's state aging & community services group. They are the leader in elder care for my county, and give great information for job postings and elder care.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2012/10/02/healthcare-job-growth/1600255/

USA Today further explains this phenomena.

Job Security

The positives with the aging population boon, is that those working in the healthcare and social services fields will have the best job security. This population is in dire need of dependable, caring employees. The elderly population outnumbers those working in the elder care career field.

Who is going to care for America’s rapidly aging population?

Aging population for the U.S.

An insightful video of Social Gerontology.

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