Respond to a colleague who selected a different case from yours with another approach to address the identified problem. What is the responsibility of the social workers working with Jose and/or Iris to advocate for a change in the social policy? (Be detailed in response and use 2 APA references)

The term trade-off refers to assessing the comparative advantages of policy options; or used to describe how policy analysts deal with the fact that a specific policy often ranks higher on one or more criteria but lower on others, thus being preferred, even though it does not rank high on all criteria (Jansson, 2018).

Iris, who is 78 yrs. old, Caucasian female, recently divorced two yrs. ago also recently lived on her own until a series of vehicle accidents that hospitalized her for weeks, and upon discharge she was unable to drive, and had her in a licensed long-term care facility. She has no children and is by herself (Plummer, Makris, Brocksen, 2014).

The policy proposal would be a “Nanny Care for Elderly” and its aim, is to enrich the quality of life for seniors. Across the country the elderly is being forgotten. Social isolation makes seniors more vulnerable to elder abuse, socially isolated makes seniors more pessimistic about the future and social isolation also increases the risk of depression and mortality (Senior Assisted Living Guides, 2018). As feelings of loneliness can negatively affect both physical and mental health, perceived loneliness contributes to cognitive decline and risk of dementia (Senior Assisted Living Guides, 2018). Iris is now living in a facility with other older residents, however she states she want to go home and that she is depressed (Plummer, Makris, Brocksen, 2014).

The trade-off is focus on improving mental health and its outcome amongst the elderly. Iris would be back in her home with a live-in provider, (Nanny Care for Elderly). Iris keeping her social security, depression cease to be a factor. Additionally, State funding will pay Nanny’s fee, and any extra cost incurred for Nanny. This also allows extra beds open for persons that are more bed bound/having a more sedentary lifestyle.

References

Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social

justice (8th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning Series.

Plummer, S.-B, Makris, S., Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration

year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].