Description
Respond to two colleagues who selected a different case scenario than you. Recommend an alternate practice option or strategy to employ with this client.
Collapse SubdiscussionVictoria Elizabeth Lutz
Victoria Elizabeth Lutz (She/Her)
MondayJul 31 at 5:29pm
Main Discussion Post- Week 10
Explain how you would employ gender-sensitive practice with this client.
Gender-sensitive practice in social work requires that social workers are aware of the factors that can shape gender susceptibility. For women, poverty and violence are two of the biggest examples of issues that they experience (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2018). The case scenario that I chose, Ruth, describes a woman who encounters poverty after her husband leaves her for a much younger woman. She is 57 years old and has been divorced from her husband for 23 months after 35 years of marriage and has no job experience and is coming to the end of her 2 year alimony allowance. In order to be gender-sensitive with this client it is important to avoid discrimination by acknowledging the many differences between men and women. It is also crucial that I employ gender-sensitive practice by showing Ruth as much respect as I would show any of my other clients, no matter the gender. Because women like Ruth often experience stressful life events, such as divorce, and low self-esteem, it is also important to create an environment where clients can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, sexism, or oppression (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2018).
Explain how you would apply one strategy to assist the client.
Because Ruth is almost out of alimony payments and she only works a minimum wage job as she has no employment history due to taking care of her and her husband’s household over the years, Ruth is going to need financial assistance. After the divorce, Ruth has found herself in new surroundings due to financial necessity and has spent most of her life not really feeling in control of what she does. Therefore, a strategy I would implement to assist her would be to help her become empowered by making choices about her own life. Along with this empowerment, I would also ensure that she has access to all necessary resources to assist her financially as she begins her journey. Helping her to gain control of her life and increasing her self-esteem by helping her to target areas that she wants to see improvements in will help her recognize what she can do for herself outside of social services (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2018). This newfound strength, along with the resources provided to her, can help her with things such as managing her money better, creating her own bank account, and eventually creating an emergency fund.
References
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, Jr. G. H. (2018). Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
Tisha Miller
TuesdayAug 1 at 4:45am
Employing Gender-sensitive Practice
As a social worker, it is essential to embrace the principles of gender-sensitive practice when working with individuals like Gertie, who are victims of domestic violence. Firstly, the gender-sensitive practice involves analyzing the power dynamics that exist between genders. In this case, the violence perpetrated against Gertie by her spouse is linked to gender-based power imbalances. It is necessary to validate Gertie’s experiences and show her that the abuse is not her fault. Normalizing her feelings of fear, anger, and sadness can help her regain her self-esteem and voice. The second step in practicing gender-sensitive social work involves recognizing the institutionalized gender biases that exist within our society. By acknowledging that domestic violence is a systemic issue linked to patriarchal norms, we can effectively assist our clients in finding and experiencing safety. This recognition helps us to address the underlying causes of violence against women and advocate for positive change.
Applying Strategy
To assist Gertie, I would apply a trauma-informed approach. This means that I would recognize the impact of trauma on her body, mind, and soul. Trauma can lead to hypervigilance, flashbacks, and dissociation, which could undermine Gertie’s ability to seek help and trust others. Therefore, I would create a safe and supportive environment for Gertie to speak freely, explore her feelings, and receive validation and empathy. I would avoid re-traumatizing her by listening actively, respecting her boundaries, avoiding triggering topics, and providing her with choices and control. I would also help Gertie develop coping skills, resilience, and self-compassion, which could enhance her recovery and sense of agency. Additionally, I would connect Gertie with resources and services in the community, such as shelters, hotlines, legal aid, and counseling, to help her meet her basic needs, overcome her challenges, and build a supportive network.
Reference
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, Jr. G. H. (2018). Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning. Chapter 13, “Gender-Sensitive Social Work Practice” (pp. 500–539)
Respond to two colleagues:
- Recommend how each colleague might support individuals in very late adulthood with intimacy and sexuality.
Ebony Huntley
MondayJul 31 at 8:40pm
Main Post
Describe two factors impacting sexual decision-making in very late adult clients.
Two factors that impact sexual decision-making in very late adult clients are their physical health and the separation of couples because of institutionalization (Hutchison, 2019). Some physical impairments will cause older adults to become uninterested in sex or unable to perform sexually. Normal aging also brings physical changes that can sometimes interfere with the ability to have and enjoy sex (n.d.). Health conditions can cause physical problems, stress, and worry that can get in the way of intimacy or enjoying a fulfilling sex life (n.d.). If the spouse is in an institution such as a hospice or rehabilitation center, they may not feel comfortable having sexual intercourse because it lacks privacy. The lack of a sexual partner because of divorce, death, or illness is one of the most common reasons for an older adult reporting low interest in sex and little sexual activity (Hutchison, 2019).
Explain how these factors influence either a positive or negative outlook on late adult sexuality.
These two factors can have a negative effect on older adults’ sexuality. If they are still desiring to have sex and their health or being institutionalized is a problem, it could cause them to become depressed or feel less than a woman or man. Sexual activity is an important part of health and well-being, and it correlates with greater enjoyment of life for older adults (Steckenrider, 2023). People do not become asexual with age, although they might modify their sexual activity as a consequence of physiological changes (Steckenrider, 2023). Other physical and psychosocial conditions impact the level of sexual interest, satisfaction, and performance of older adults ( Hutchison, 2019).
References
Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
(n.d.). Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults [Review of Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults]. Www.nia.nih.gov. Retrieved July 31, 2023, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality-and-initimacy-older-adults#:~:text=Normal%20aging%20also%20brings%20physical,no%20longer%20find%20them%20attractive.
Collapse SubdiscussionEloise G Dixon
Eloise G Dixon
TuesdayAug 1 at 4:25pm
Main Post
Describe two factors impacting sexual decision-making in very late adult clients.
In very late adulthood clients, two factors that might impact sexual decision-making are one’s physical health, where age-related changes have taken place in individual health conditions that can negatively influence sexual activity and decision-making. Men are more interested in sexual relations than women (Abi et al., 2011). However, men tend to have lower sexual functions than women because of erection, organism, and ejaculatory functions. Although women might have an interest, there are some effects due to post-menopausal such as vaginal itching, soreness, dryness, and painful sex, that must be taken into consideration. These issues not only have a negative influence on sexual function but also on emotional well-being. And the second one is that psychologicalconcerns can play a significant role in sexual choices because feelings of intimacy, self-esteem, and mental health can bring about changes in one’s everyday behavior. For example, an individual with mental health can change how they interact with others, potentially affecting the intimate relationship and altering feelings of emotional intimacy between them and their partner (Syme, n.d.).
Explain how these factors influence either a positive or a negative outlook on late adulthood sexuality.
Physical and Psychological Health factors can influence either positively or negatively. Every individual is different, and the impact will be different depending on the person’s physical and emotional health, to begin with. Chronic health conditions can cause discomfort, pain, and limitations, negatively affecting sexual desire and performance. And, of course, psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can lead to reduced interest in sex or even a negative perception of sexual experiences.
References
Abi Taylor, Margot A. Gosney, Sexuality in older age: essential considerations for healthcare professionals, Age and Ageing,Volume 40, Issue 5, September 2011, Pages 538–543, https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afr049Links to an external site.
Syme, M. L. (n.d.). The Evolving Concept of Older Adults and Sexual Behaviors. Journal of the American Society on Aging. https://www.lehighcounty.org/Portals/0/PDF/HS/Agin…
