It takes a Village: community practice, social work, and aging-in-place

J Gerontol Soc Work. 2011 Jul;54(5):528-41. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2011.581744.

Abstract

The US population of older adults will increase significantly in the coming decades. Most of these individuals prefer to age in their homes/communities. However, most communities are not prepared to handle the long-term care needs of an aging population. This article examines one model that communities are using to help older adults age-in-place, the Village. A conceptual lens based in community practice and empowerment theory is offered to explicate this model and critically evaluate social work's role in it. It also presents challenges to social work roles in facilitation and evaluation of the model.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Community Health Services*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Long-Term Care
  • Power, Psychological*
  • Professional Practice
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Social Support
  • Social Work / methods
  • Social Work / organization & administration*
  • United States