Virginia Commonwealth University

Approximately 75 lower division BSW students completed 10 hours of volunteer work with older adults over one semester as part of an introductory communications course. During the first part of the course a panel of social workers introduced students to potential volunteer sites and exposed them to five different settings and the various roles of social workers and agency directors. Existing relationships with community social workers related to a Hartford Practicum Partnership Program were instrumental in the success of this project. Sample activities included: (1) students learned about the continuum of care for physically and cognitively impaired older adults, (2) students met individually with seniors to engage in life review and assisted craft, social, and intergenerational activities, (3) students assisted participants one-on-one with meals, exercise, and activities, and facilitated group activities, and (4) students taught computer skills to individual seniors and assisted with group activities. This diversity of sites exposed students to the range of needs. This was the first contact for most students with social work professionals and clients and many noted enhanced learning about communication, older adults, and social work.

Courses that Included Experiential Activity:

• Communications in the Helping Process

Gero Practice Behaviors:

• Assess and address values and biases regarding aging.