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East Central University

East Central University’s BEL project involved field work in assisted living and adult day care facilities and various collaborative projects with area organizations serving older adults. Students were involved in creating a positive aging photography display with local assisted living facilities that highlighted diversity in aging; participated in a “Men of McDonald's” photography/interview project; and completed an interview assignment in Introduction to Social Work. Photographs from the assisted living center were displayed on campus and at a local coffee shop.

Courses that Included Experiential Activity:

  • Introduction to Social Work
  • Human Behavior & The Social Environment
  • Field Work Studies in Social Work

Gero Practice Behaviors:

  • Assess and address values and biases regarding aging.
  • Respect diversity among older adult clients, families, and professionals (e.g., class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation). 
  • Address the cultural, spiritual, and ethnic values and beliefs of older adults and families.
  • Relate concepts and theories of aging to social work practice (e.g., cohorts, normal aging, and life course perspective).
  • Relate social work perspectives and related theories to practice with older adults (e.g., person-in environment, social justice).