Older Adults and Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction
While interning with Passages Adult Resources Center, which serves the population of older adults, it became apparent that Type 2 Diabetes is prevalent in this population. After conducting research through articles relating to older adults and Type 2 Diabetes it was determined that more education for social workers within the agency was necessary. This intern began by interviewing administrators, direct service providers and clients. The information collected assisted in the development of a presentation for the social workers at this agency. The goal was to educate them on the risk and signs of clients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Statement of need
It is common for social workers working in agencies that serve older adults to encounter clients with Type 2 Diabetes. Clients living with diabetes often face challenges; therefore the role of the social worker is essential. Additionally, it is suggested that social workers have the ability to make differences in the lives of people with Type 2 Diabetes (Descoster, 2001). Often there is a gap in knowledge and as a result it was determined that the education of social workers was necessary.

Problem areas for older clients and caregivers include the understanding and management of the disease. Increased awareness, early detection and management in older adults are necessary for positive results (Bent, Rabbit and Metcalf, 2000). A social worker making home visits can and does become the liaison between formal medical staff and the client. Social workers at Passages presented a need for further education on diabetes in older adults (personal communication, October 14, 2005). By providing social workers with knowledge of diabetes they can become confident in their ability to provide appropriate services to their clients.

Health risk, treatment, challenges cognitive dysfunction, race, gender, psychological affects and depression of client with diabetes are of concerns to the client as well as the social worker. According to Lange and Piette, “The increased vigilance to poor diabetes control by patients with greater depression and anxiety may serve as an important point by which to design interventions to translate into action and improved health outcomes.” (2005, p.13). Again having a social worker educated about clients with Type 2 Diabetes may result in positive health outcome for the client.

Description of the Intervention
This intern coordinated with the agency to create a presentation on Type 2 Diabetes education for social workers at Passages. After a discussion with the executive director the agency gave permission to conduct a presentation within the agency. It was determined this intern would present a power point presentation to four divisions in the agency during a staff meeting. The presentation would consist of definition, causes, management, and types services available to the client with Type 2 Diabetes. A resource guide was created outlining local services available and distributed to the social workers and supervisors. At the end of the power point presentation a hands on activity was conducted for the social workers to enhance the training.
The presentation was presented on March 21, 2006. The presentation was given to approximately 16 social workers on how to recognize the signs and the affects of Type 2 Diabetes in clients when making home visits. It provided the social worker with knowledge of the biology and physiology of the disease and gave the social worker a resource guide to local services and increased the social workers awareness of the disease.

Evaluation of the Intervention
This intern evaluated the success of the presentation by obtaining feedback from social workers attending the presentation. The data collected came from a questionnaire. Two questions were asked (1) what suggestions could the social workers make? (2) would continued education of the social worker be necessary? The results and suggestions were compiled and distributed to the social workers at the agency. The comments and suggestions made to this intern were positive. The social workers requested continuing education. All felt the activity provided awareness into the lives of older adults who live with Type 2 Diabetes. All social workers stated they would use the knowledge gained from the presentation to assess clients with diabetes when making home visits.

Reflections on the Project
In reflection this intern feels that by educating the social workers at this agency they now have the knowledge and confidence to successfully understand the disease of Type 2 Diabetes. The social workers at Passages can better serve their clients and hopefully ensure a more positive health outcome. In addition, they have the same language required when acting as liaisons between the client and medical personal. This project fulfilled a need by the agency that was not being met due to lack of resources. A barrier to this intern’s presentation was the reservation of a conference room to adequately accommodate the 16 social workers. It is this interns recommendation that planning start in the fall semester.

References
Bent, N., Rabbitt, P., & Metcalfe, D. (2000) Diabetes mellitus and the rate of cognitive aging. British Journal of Clinical Psychology (2000), 39, 349-362.
Decoster, V. A. (2001). Challenges of type 2 diabetes and role of social work: A neglected area of practice. Health & Social Work 26, 1, 26-37.
Lange, L.J. & Piette, J.D. (2005) Perceived health status and perceived diabetes control: Psychological indicators and accuracy. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 58
2, 129-137.