Teaching Geriatric Social Work in Health Care

The acute care hospital setting provides valuable and varied opportunities for teaching, learning, and doing in gerontological social work practice. The special knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for this practice are rooted in generic social work theory and practice, as well as in the special biopsychosocial perspectives of health care. A three-tier practice model is offered in an attempt to conceptualize gerontological content. In providing staff development programs social work departments must be alert to address the issues and needs of the older populations in teaching content. Suggestions for specific staff development courses and program modalities in gerontological social work are given.