Institute on Aging
Purpose
The purpose of this institute is to provide regional leadership in social gerontology and social work practice with older adults through scholarship, curricular innovation, and community-based solutions. The purpose of this institute is consistent with the mission of the State System of Higher Education and Kutztown University.
Collaborators
Dr. John Vafeas
610-683-4239
vafeas@kutztown.edu
Ms. Nancy Everson, MSW
610-478-6500
Dr. Janice Gasker
610-683-4291
gasker@kutztown.edu
Ms. Carol Lightfoot, ACSW, LSW
610-378-0481
2021 Center for Rural Pennsylvania Research Grant Received
Research Committee
Christopher Harris, Ph.D.
Fang-Hsun Wei, MS, Ph.D.
Mary Rita Weller, Ph.D., LSW
The purpose of this study is to analyze the extent of social isolation among rural Pennsylvanians 65 years of age or older, identify evidence-based programs that minimize social isolation, evaluate the determinants of social isolation, and evaluate current Pennsylvania programs and services and determine replicability in Pennsylvania.
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Community Activities and Presentations
Lee, A. (2017, November). Factors associated with volunteering among midlife and older adults: Finding from 2016 California health interview survey. Annual Conference of Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action, Grand Rapids, MI.
Kim, Y.M. January 1, 2016. Nursing Homes As Cultural Adaptive Systems: Relationship Between Acculturative Stress and Abusive Attitudes Among Immigrant Nursing Assistants. Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research: Washington D.C.
Geldon, L. & Hanna, E. P., Department of Social Work, October 22, 2014. The Integration of Case Management Skills in Hospice Care. NACM-20th Annual Case Management Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
Geldon, L. & Hanna, E. P., Department of Social Work, October 17, 2014. Social Work in Hospice Care: Challenges and Opportunities. NASW-PA Annual Conference, King of Prussia, PA.
Kim, Y. M., Hong, S., Kanno, H., & Jeong K., November 20, 2013. Burnout, Job Satisfaction, and Acculturative Stress in Immigrant Nursing Home Aides: Acculturative Stress Amplifies Abusive Attitude toward Elderly Residents. Paper accepted for poster presentation at the Gerontological Society of America's 66th Annual Scientific Meeting: New Orleans, LA.
Lim, J., Choi, M., & Kim, Y. M., October 2013. South Korea's Universal Long-Term Care System: Reflections and Lessons Based on the Qualitative Evaluation of Q-Methodology. Paper accepted for poster presentation at the 48th Annual Meeting for the Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care: Philadelphia, PA.
Hanna, E. P., Department of Social Work, March 6, 2012. Successful Retirement: Developing a Creative Retirement Plan, Millersville University, Millersville, PA.
Hanna, E. P., Department of Social Work, November 16, 2011. Successful Retirement: Developing a Creative Retirement Plan, Millersville University, Millersville, PA.
Gasker, J. & Vafeas, J. (2005, December). A Task group in support of retention for direct care workers in Aging Services: Evaluation of group process, outcome and participant feedback. A program evaluation report for Berks County Area Agency on Aging. April 2005--Professor Hackman provided a workshop to Berks County Office of Aging regarding Family Dynamics.
Hackman, R. & Kolar, P. (2005, February). It's in there!: Recognizing and infusing aging content throughout the curriculum. National Gerontological Social Work Conference, New York, NY.
Hackman, R. & Kolar, P. (2005, February). It's in there!: Infusing aging content in social work field placements. National Gerontological Social Work Conference, New York, NY.
Gasker, J. & Vafeas, J. (2005, February). Workforce development for Latino direct service workers: A Program evaluation. National Gerontological Social Work Conference, New York, NY.
Gasker, J. & Vafeas, J. (2004, September). Workforce development program for recruiting, training and retaining Latino direct care workers in Aging Services: A program evaluation report for Berks County Area Agency on Aging.
Gasker, J. & Vafeas, J. (2004, September). Peer support groups in support of retention for direct care workers in Aging Services: Evaluation and feedback for Berks County Area Agency on Aging.
Gasker, J. & Vafeas, J. (2004, September). Technical assistance with recruitment, retention and culture change issues. Workshop presented at Phoebe Institute on Aging and the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging Conference, "Who Will Care for Us?" Addressing the Elder Care Workforce Crisis. Allentown, PA.
Gasker, J. & Vafeas, J. (2004, February). Home care workers as Mentors: An evaluation of impact on staff retention. National Gerontological Social Work Conference, Anaheim, CA.
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Research and Publications
Lee, A. with Jang, Zadrozny, Bae, Kim, and Marti. (2017). Determinants of Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intent in Home Health Workers: The Role of Job Demands and Resources. Journal of Applied Gerontolgy, 36 (1). Long-term Care Planning for Immigrant Elders: An Exploratory Study Focusing on Culture, Religion and Social Support - Ruthanne Hackman
Workforce development for Latino direct service workers: A Program evaluation - Dr. Janice Gasker & Dr. John Vafeas
The Effects of a Campaign against Elder Abuse Among Latino and African American Communities - Dr. John Vafeas
Community Perspectives of Elder Abuse - Dr. John Vafeas
Outcomes Evaluations of Practice in Community-based Social Work Services for the Elderly - Dr. John Vafeas
Gasker, J & Vafeas, J. (2007). Bienvenidos A Bordo: Unase a nosotros: Trabajadores de Cuidado Directo Proveen Consejos para los Primeros Noventa Días en su Trabajo. Berks Office of Aging, Reading, PA
Gasker, J. & Vafeas, J. (2006). Come aboard - Join us: Direct care workers provide tips for the first ninety days on the job. Reading, PA: Berks County Office of Aging.
Publication prepared with input from focus groups of direct care workers in aging services. The groups and publication were designed and facilitated by Drs. Janice Gasker and John Vafeas. Booklet is systematically distributed to new direct care workers across Berks County to aid in employee retention in the beleaguered field of home health care.Vafeas, J. Direct care workers in Aging Services: The effect of mentoring on staff retention. Kutztown University, Social Work Program Institute on Aging
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Related Courses
SWK290 Social Gerontology and Social Welfare
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Agencies Hosting Interns
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Additional Information
Currently, we are seeking community partners for various projects. Let us know what your need or interest may be.
In accordance with the Gerontological Society of America's (2005) Interdisciplinary Mandate, we are welcoming colleagues from all disciplines for collaborative projects.