Groupwork with older adults can serve many purposes. They can be used for (a) socialisation, education, and recreation (b) service and advocacy (c) support (d) therapy and (e) family and care-giver assistance. It is a modality that uses the setting, structure and process of a group to achieve a therapeutic, educational or social goal. It is usually facilitated by a professional leader. They can be conducted in hospitals, eldercare centres, nursing homes, community or social service organisations, religious organisations, etc. Principles and skills from individual counselling, group processes and gerontology are utilised.
O’Leary (1996) maintained that group approaches may be more appropriate than individual counselling with older adults because of the nature of their problems, such as social isolation, loneliness, role loss and widowhood. Involvement in a group provides support during loss and an opportunity for the development of new relationships. Moreover, the group approach offers older participants the opportunity to develop an awareness of some of the social, psychological, physical and environmental aspects of their lives. The group can provide support, increase self-awareness, develop alternative solutions to personal problems and provide an opportunity to learn new social roles. Mardoyan and Weis (1981) wrote that group gerocounselling is superior to individual counselling because it diffuses the generational gaps between counsellor and counsellee. It also “provides a unique opportunity to use the dynamic interaction of group members as a therapeutic tool (p.162).” Moreover, Mehta and Ko (2003) held that the interaction helps the older person find appropriate social roles for successful ageing, encourages supportive sharing, promotes a healthy cohort effect, and helps the older person renew social interaction skills when social support system are weakest. It also seems to be more cost-effective, although it should not be planned for that reason alone (p. 95).
This workshop will provide an overview of the various types of groups, their purposes, advantages and limitations. In particular, it will highlight group principles, process, dynamics and equip participants with the essential skills to facilitate support groups for older adults.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants will:
Be able to articulate the different types of groups for working with the elderly
Be aware of the factors to consider in setting up a group
Understand group processes and dynamics
Be equipped with group facilitation and counselling skills to run groups with the elderly
Target Participants
Managers, administrators, counsellors, therapists, case managers, social workers, nurses and volunteers who plan to use groupwork as a modality for engaging older adults
Participants should possess basic skills in counselling older adults
Course Outline
Types of groups
Advantages & limitations of groupwork with elderly
Factors to consider in setting up a group:
Staff factors
Group factors
Client factors
Materials
Qualities of a facilitator
Group processes & dynamics
Group facilitation skills e.g. managing differences & conflicts among members
Group counselling skills
Topics/issues to address in support groups for seniors
Course Duration
Two days
References
Mardoyan, J, and Weis, D, (1981) “The Efficacy of Group Counselling with Older Adults” in Personnel and Guidance Journal, Vol 60 (3); 161 – 163.
Mehta, K.M. and Ko, H. (2003) Gerontological Counselling: An Introductory Handbook. Singapore: SAGE Counselling Centre.
O’Leary, E (1996), Counselling Older Adults: Perspectives, Approaches and Research, London: Chapman and Hall.
