A Group for the Elderly - Essay Example

A Group for the Elderly This essay will discuss about an organization that will be established specifically for grandparents who are taking care of their grandchildren. It will outline the step by step process that will be undertaken by the leader of the group to ensure the success of the organization. A discussion of the goals, objectives and activities of the group will also be presented as envisioned by the group leader. A Group for the Elderly The group for the elderly that is proposed to be set up as an organization is a group of grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the number of children being raised by their grandparents has risen sharply since the start of the recession in 2007 and that one in 10 children in the U.S. now lives with a grandparent (Morello, par.1). The group will be composed of grandparents of both genders. The age range will be from 60 and up. The social or economic status is of no significance as long as they are taking care of their grandchildren. To be a successful organization, the leader must make sure that the grandparents in the group have common goals and aspirations.

It is the responsibility of the leader to disseminate clearly the mission of the group so the members know the reason for its existence. This is important because often when the objectives are obscure to its members it would be hard to work together towards a common goal and conflicts begin to arise (Pitkala, et al, 2004). The goals of the group would envision to assist grandparents’ in the education and training (medical, finance, etc.) that they need, to provide them with support groups and to equip them with information on social services and policies regarding their situation.

The required training process is in conjunction with that proposed by Pitkala, et al. (2004) where education, workshop and feedback mechanisms are incorporated in the training process. The first strategy that will be executed by the group is to seek out the members composed of grandparents in the community who are taking care of their children. With the help of trained psychologists and health workers and the guidance of the group leader, they will try to find out what are the immediate needs, the emotional and social issues as well as the legal, financial and health concerns of the grandparents.

To make sure that the organization will answer the needs of the grandparents and not miss out on important details, the leader must write down important notes about the interview with future members. This reflective writing by the leader will help to analyze his own thoughts and feelings about the plight of the grandparents (Pitkala, et al. 2004). The use of questionnaires may also assist the leaders in this phase of the organization. Members will then be encouraged to join specific support groups which best fit their needs.

Depending on their needs, they will be urged to attend specialized training seminars or short talks to further educate them. Social activities among their peers will also be organized. The group leader will assist the grandparents in various ways such as the availability of a support group and counseling services for them. The leader will also serve as a liaison between the government and the grandparents so that their concerns may be properly addressed. The group will also be assisted in terms of financial, medical and insurance needs.

They will be given advices regarding care giving and the educational needs of their grandchildren. One of the more important ethical issues that need to be addressed in group adherence to a commitment and responsibility to take care of grandchildren, consistent with that proposed by Corey, Corey & Corey (2010). Group members are made more aware of what they are getting into and what consequences they will be facing. The leader must make them realize that it will have an impact on their lives and their relationships with other people including their own children.

The legal issue that must be addressed is conformity to laws affecting grandparents raising grandchildren. The grandparents should realize that their arrangements may either be that of guardianship, temporary agent, foster care or caregiver which have different legal consequences. Foremost among this is whether they have legal custody of their grandchildren because in the case of education and medical decisions for their grandchildren, some institutions would require a consent form which must be signed.

The leader must therefore be able to assist them in this area. Raising grandchildren is not an easy task for grandparents. Although, it gives joy and satisfaction to the grandparents, it is a commitment and a responsibility. Considering that grandparents are already in that phase of their lives where most of them are already retired and are facing some medical issues, it is important that there be an organization to support and care for them. It is essential that the leader of the organization be equipped with the proper training in handling geriatric persons.

This is the rationale for my decision to create one. References Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, et al. A Resource Guide for Massachusetts’ Grandparents Raising their Grandchildren Fourth Edition. Retrieved 13 May 2011. http://www.mass.gov/Eelders/docs/caregiver/grandparents_raising_grandchildren. pdf Corey, M. S., Corey, G., & Corey, C., (2010). Groups: Process and practice (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Morello, C. (2010). A New Generation of Caregivers Take Control of Kids.

Retrieved 13 May 2011. http://www.grandparenting.org/Grandparents_Raising_Grandchildren.htm Pitkala, K. H., Blomquist, L., Routasalo, P., Saarenheimo, M., Karvinen, E., Oikarinen, U., et al. (2004). “Leading groups of older people: A description and evaluation of the education of professionals.” Educational Gerontology, 30(10), 821–833. Retrieved 13 May 2011, from the Academic Search Premier database. (AN 14622510)