RE: SOCW6060 Discussion Question response to 2 students

Gaps in the Life Model

Piedra and Engstrom (2009) noted how the life model “remains general and unspecific regarding factors that affect immigrant families” (p. 272). Recall that there will never be one theory or a model that can fully explain a phenomenon or lay out all the steps and procedures when working with complex issues that clients present to social workers. Recognizing this, Piedra and Engstrom selected another theory in the immigration literature—segmented assimilation theory. The

Respond to two colleagues: (In detail response please answer question) Use 2 peer reviewed references.

• Identify other potential gaps in the life model as applied to the population your colleague identified.
• Offer another potential theory for filling the gaps of the life model when working with the population identified.

Respnse to Lucy

Identify and describe the diverse population and the unique characteristics and/or the distinctive needs of the population in 3 to 4 brief sentences.

I worked with homeless veterans they were in need of secure housing, mental health care and substance abuse treatment. The homeless veterans were having problems with adjusting to civilian life. The homeless veteran also has issues with learning to be financially responsible or they may not have income which put stress on the homeless veteran. Another factor is the homeless veteran may not have been trained for a job outside of the military.

Explain how the life model can be applied for the population.

The life model can be applied to the homeless population by “capitalizing on reciprocal interactions between people and their environments, interventions are tailored to enhanced people’s ability to meet their needs and to coax the environment to become more amenable to their needs” (Piedra & Engstrom, 2009).

Explain where the gaps are in applying the life model for this population.

The gaps that I see is where I was working only catered to male veterans and did not cater to the large homeless population or families in Asheville, NC and the stigma that is attached to being homeless. Veterans Restoration Quarters offered a 2-year residential housing program for homeless veterans and they are the only transitional housing program in Asheville other than their sister shelter Steadfast House for women and children. The services that is offered to the ones fortunate to use their services are not offered to other homeless individuals except for the missions or salvation army but they are not transitional housing.

When looking at the gaps, explain which theory might be helpful in filling the gaps of the life model when working with this population.
I would use the system theory to help homelessness from occurring by addressing the systems and structures that allow it to occur and to provide early intervention to ensure chronic homelessness is reduced. The system theory of social work provides better coordination amongst services, especially for people with complex needs who use multiple services simultaneously such as homelessness. With the system theory it helps to increase stability for an individual experiencing homelessness and provide them with more opportunities for community involvement. System theory improve cooperation and collaboration among service providers, which will allow for stronger ties across the community and therefore reduced re-occurrence of homelessness.

Reference

Piedra, L. M., & Engstrom, D. W. (2009). Segmented assimilation theory and the life model: An integrated approach to understanding immigrants and their children. Social Work, 54(3), 270–277. http://dx.doi.org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/sw/54.3.2…

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Response to Alecia

Using an example from your fieldwork experience and a diverse population you encountered at the agency (for example, in Piedra and Engstrom’s article, it was immigrant families), respond to the following: Identify and describe the diverse population and the unique characteristics and/or the distinctive needs of the population in 3 to 4 brief sentences.

During my field experience at Haven Hospice I worked with the LGBTQ population in particular a male couple. The partner of this couple had been diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer and in his last phase. He was in Haven Hospice to receive palliative care during his end of life supported by his side was his partner.

Explain how the life model can be applied for the population.

The life model can be applied for this individuals case because it maximized the fit between the staff, multidisciplinary team and his partner during his final days (Piedra & Engstrom, 2009). To fill gaps the theory of knowledge can be used to help educate what Haven offers to families that may be in the type of situations. Most times when you hear Hospice it can seem like a bad thing but they are so much that Haven has to offer.

Explain where the gaps are in applying the life model for this population.

The gaps are that Haven is offered to anyone not just a particular population. Not only can you go to one of the facilities but they also offer in home services. The gap is not knowing what is offered and the theory of knowledge can help to fill that gap through education. Haven Hospice focuses on managing pain and other symptoms and caring for the emotional, psychological, spiritual and social needs of their clients and their loved ones. Haven creates and maintains a care plan for each of their clients.

When looking at the gaps, explain which theory might be helpful in filling the gaps of the life model when working with this population.

It is important to have theoretical tools to understand human behaviors and social environment. This requires knowledge to be competent as a social worker. The theory of knowledge is helpful in filling gaps. It is a practical guideline to direct interventions, and a conceptual screen to identify relevant information to be able to meet the needs of our clients. The ecological theory may also be a good theory as well. This may be the case because the ecological theory emphasizes the interdependence of organism and environment. This is especially suitable as a metaphor for social workers when you think about the historic commitment to the person-and-environment concept.

Reference

Piedra, L. M., & Engstrom, D. W. (2009). Segmented assimilation theory and the life model: An integrated approach to understanding immigrants and their children. Social Work, 54(3), 270–277. http://dx.doi.org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/sw/54.3.2…