-
Wendy Coschignano Ford, Osceola Council on Aging President/CEO
The Osceola Council on Aging now offers an opportunity for collaboration with various colleges and universities hosting both bachelor’ and master’s level social work internships as a synergistic approach to support the mental health and wellness of Osceola seniors.
Students from Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, Arizona State University, and Barry University, to name a few, will be on hand at the OCOA (and online) to provide collaborative support and interdisciplinary social work services to our senior clients.
“This is perfect synergy for both the students and our senior clients,” said OCOA SVP of Case Management Johnola Morales. “The internship program proposes an innovative approach to field education, providing the opportunity for exemplary learning experiences and training outcomes for those looking to work in marginalized communities with seniors experiencing mental health challenges.”
Sadly, seniors encountering mental health issues are not new but often overlooked. According to the World Health Organization, more than 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder — specifically noting that social isolation and loneliness affect about a quarter of older individuals.
WHO also states mental illness for those in the later years can be shaped by social environments, stressors related to aging, and the cumulative impacts and trauma of earlier life experiences. Similarly, the decline in functional abilities (mental and physical) can result in psychological distress. Seniors can become saddened by grief, a decrease in income, and a reduced sense of purpose due to retirement.
Varying medical factors can also cause psychiatric conditions to materialize such as changes in the level of care required for day-today activities, unhappy living arrangements, access to and understanding of technological devices (often required and overwhelming for seniors), abuse, and factors which keep them safe and secure such as knowledge and adaptability skills to help overcome and adjust to changes.
COVID-19 had a negative impact, psychologically, on Americans of all ages, but especially seniors, due to the lack of socialization, leading to increased isolation, and a decline in overall mental wellness. Fortunately, once the pandemic was over, we saw an increase in the number of seniors and older adults participating in events hosted within the Council, including dining and social events, as well as health and wellness activities.
Though in contrast, according to Dr. Morales, There are still seniors reluctant to participate in activities involving groups, including health concerns over the recent pandemic.
“This fear keeps those seniors predominantly isolated, which again may lead to a decline in mental, emotional, and psychological health,” she said.
Due to ongoing concerns related to isolation and the lack of socialization, the OCOA is fortunate to have partnered for social work internship collaboration to better manage mental health and wellness for our clients. The interns will be responsible for referring clients to programs to improve their mental outlook while also providing education on the negative effects of isolation and environmental stressors.
This platform will enable the interns to work with a diverse population of seniors, to better increase their knowledge and understanding of the older population’s needs.
Dr. Morales will supervise interns to ensure all social work ethical principles are followed. Morales, who recently received her Doctorate in Social Work, has served in social work roles for more than thirty-five years in local, state, and non-profit organizations. She brings a wealth of knowledge to students under her supervision.
“I am excited this collaboration continues to grow. It is a win-win for both the Council on Aging and our seniors. Most importantly, our seniors will benefit from oneon- one supervised counseling who will become an advocate for their mental health and wellbeing,” added Morales.
For more information about obtaining an internship, contact Dr. Morales at 407-846-8404. Interns must first go through their university for approval of placement.
