Over half of the residents in long-term care have a diagnosis of dementia. Maintaining a good quality of life is important, as there is no cure for dementia. Quality of life may be used as a standard for caregiving and, as a framework for practice to enhance service provision. The purpose of this four month practicum was, to explore quality of life as seen and experienced by residents living with dementia in long-term care, factors that influence quality of life, as well as the approaches used to improve quality of life. ...
This practicum report represents an account of my experience with the Elderly Services Program under Mental Health and Addiction Services, Northern Health Authority, Prince George British Columbia. Though this experience I was able to achieve my learning goals in areas of clinical assessment, case management, adult protection investigations, interprofessional practice and working with older adults who experience various mental health issues. Included are the observations of the organizational shift in services to older adult clients. Research literature in the various topic areas compliments this practical learning experience. This report also highlights components of ethical geriatric social work practice with the application of life course and ecological perspectives as guiding theoretical models influencing practice.
This thesis explores the experiences and perceptions of precarious employment on subjective wellbeing amongst women between the ages 24-44, living in northern British Columbia. The idea of this research evolved out of a larger SSHRC grant funded project of the Women North Network/Northern FIRE: Centre for Women's Health Research at UNBC (Women North Network, n.d.). The SSHRC grant funded research examined the experiences of older women (aged 45 years and older) with respect to the impact of precarious employment on their health and wellness. Through the use of exploratory qualitative research, the current research sample consisted of six younger participants, who self-identified as being involved in precarious employment, who provided data through semi-structured interviews. Additionally, a six stage thematic analysis process was used to analyze the data.
The purpose of this research is to understand the link between the acquisition of literacy skills and change in a Northern context. Furthermore, this research explores the perceived role that improved literacy plays in helping individuals make change. A literature review highlights the history of literacy in the community, First Nations and immigrant literacy, social implications of low literacy and community indicators. My research sample consisted of seven participants living in a northern community in British Columbia. The approach was qualitative and utilized an adapted photovoice method. The data was pre-coded, then analyzed using descriptive coding and finally pattern coding. The research findings revealed four themes: (1) continuous learning; (2) enhanced self-confidence; (3) increased opportunities; (4) connecting with self and others. The findings also showed that with improved literacy the participants were able to make positive, lasting changes in their personal and professional lives.
This practicum report is a summary and reflection upon a Master of Social Work practicum completed at Victoria Hospice, supporting my desire to understand the role of a social worker within an interdisciplinary hospice palliative healthcare team. Several aspects of my practicum experience are explored through a literature review, embracing a biopsychosocial-spiritual model of practice. Included is a brief examination of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) and its legislation in Canada. The knowledge gained from this practicum will guide my hospice palliative social work practice in northern BC, which in turn will provide a learning environment for future social work students wanting to specialize in this area of practice.
