About the SeniorAdvisor.com 2014 In-Home Innovation Scholarship: We started the scholarship program to bring awareness of the unique benefits and challenges of in-home caregiving for seniors to younger generations. The questions posed by the scholarship encouraged our nation’s future caregivers to present solutions for improving home care in the United States. College-aged students were required to answer one of the three essay topics below and provide a short bio as part of their scholarship application. Read the winning essays here.

How can your major of study improve the lives of seniors receiving in-home care services?

Essay response by Sandra Yankah

The availability and quality of long term care options have greatly increased in modern times. Seniors adults now have numerous options for care that addresses all aspects of their health and overall well-being. Finding the best quality care that also fits the needs of each individual can be a very daunting task, requiring careful research and exploration. The advancement of technology and the availability of service like SeniorAdvisor.com aids individuals and families in assuring that they are receiving the best quality care in their respective area. With over 63,402 reviews about in home care options, SeniorAdvisor.com gives adult senior’s the opportunity to maintain their independence while still having access to various personal care services that addresses specific concerns like health, house keeping, transportation, and mobility. SeniorAdvisor.com also provides information about certifications, ratings, and cost. This gives families the peace of mind of knowing that their loved ones are being cared for by high quality, well trained, and compassionate individuals. This also adds an element of accountability within the home care field by allowing individuals to rate the quality of services provided by specific individuals and agencies. As a clinical counseling psychology student, the primary goal of our profession is to help individuals to be healthy emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We also aim to partner with businesses and community members to be able to achieve this goal.

Psychologists assist with the training of staff and practitioners by educating them about the difficulties associated with aging, different psychological disorders, and by showing them the best way to interact with patients and family members that are going through difficult transitions. Psychologists also serve as a support system for staff members including nurses, hospice staff, and caregivers that experience distress or difficulty because of work related experiences. The field of psychology improves the lives of seniors receiving in home care services by assuring that all aspects of an individual’s care and well-being are being accounted for. To achieve this ideal, psychologists serve as partners with long term care providers by focusing on the behavioral and mental health needs of the client. Aging individuals face a variety of emotional and mental health related difficulties; some of these difficulties include things like depression, anxiety, dementia, and life long mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. For the best outcomes, these types of concerns require the aid of Psychologists from a variety of specialty areas that are well equipped to support existing staff and medical care providers in assuring that the senior adult receives the specialized care and support that they need. Good quality care that addresses all aspects of an individual’s well being, including mental and emotional concerns can greatly increase an individuals quality of life, and in some cases their life expectancy.

Furthermore, continued research into specific mental and emotional concerns of the senior adult community is a testimony to the psychology field’s goal of continued improvement and commitment to all segments of the population. By educating, informing, and conducting research we continue to lessen the stigma connected to mental health disorders and encourage individuals and family member to seek the help that they need. Promoting overall well being within the field of senior adult care is something that is very close to my heart because I truly feel that in order to be healthy we not only have to address aspects of our physical health, but our mental and emotional well-being as well. I also believe that all individuals deserve access to tools and resources that aid them in living the best life possible, regardless of their age. Being of advanced age should not prevent an individual from being valued, respected, and cared for within society. Resources like SeniorAdviosr.com help insure that every individual is given these rights regardless of their age or ability. My education has giving me more insight and understanding when it comes to being empathetic and in tune with the needs of others. For society to continue to improve it is important to have educated individuals that also have social consciousness, and a desire to make improvements that benefit those around them. As I continue my education, I truly hope that I will be able to find more ways to improve the lives of others. Receiving this scholarship would undoubtedly aid me in achieving this goal.  I sincerely appreciate the committee’s time in evaluating my application and giving me the opportunity to outline my passion for the field of psychology.


About Sandra

Sandra is currently enrolled in the Masters in Clinical Counseling Psychology program at Valdosta State University.

 

Senior Advisor's knowledgeable writers blog about senior care services, trends and more.

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