Social Work Practice with Older Adults

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The resilience-enhancing stress model (RESM) is an integrated human behavior framework that can be used to guide social workers in various contexts and fields of practice. Addressing the need to tap into resilience among older adults, this text brings to light and applies RESM terms, assumptions, and practice strategies suitable for geriatric social work.

Divided into three sections, the authors first guide the reader through the research and theoretical background of RESM, using research of older adults who survived Jim Crow oppression in the U.S. South. Research findings, ethics, and policy issues related to risk and resilience theory associated with older adults are also addressed.

In Part 2, the reader is introduced to the RESM narrative interview style used in engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation at multisystem levels. Methods for constructing more positive client narratives are provided, and how the RESM interview can support resilient social functioning among marginalized populations. Building on the foundation of the narrative interview, RESM is presented as a means of engaging clients and strengthening the client–social worker relationship.

Finally, in Part 3, the authors present assessment of and intervention in the individual–family–community configuration, including addressing problems of daily living faced by older adults, approaching challenges from a family system perspective, and empowering communities to perform the functions that help individuals manage stressors and develop resilience.

Using their decades of experience, the authors provide real-world examples of integrating RESM into practice with older adults, their families, and their communities. Through case studies and narrative interview examples, the authors demonstrate how RESM augments traditional practice options, with special attention to person-in-environment. They show how social workers can specifically identify and build on the strength and resiliency of older adults.

Each chapter features an “RESM Toolbox” that lays out how theory translates to practice, poses discussion questions, and provides ideas about how to apply RESM. RESM Toolboxes provide exercises that promote active listening and the interpretation of a client’s story. When taken together with the many practice examples, practitioners obtain a foundation in geriatric social work practice.