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Ripples

Welcome to Ripples, an e-newsletter designed to keep interested deans and directors, faculty members, students, practitioners and others informed about the work of the Geriatric Social Work Initiative (GSWI).  We welcome your feedback and encourage you to contribute any story ideas, stories, resources, news and other content to subsequent issues of the newsletter. To make a contribution, please contact Ashley Groth at agroth@geron.org.  If you have been forwarded this newsletter by a colleague and would like to subscribe, please reply to this e-mail and type the work “subscribe” in the subject line. Please be sure to visit our website at www.gswi.org.

Happy Holidays from the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Initiative!

Upcoming Deadlines:
Hartford Doctoral Fellows: February 1, 2007 (access application on www.gswi.org)
Hartford Faculty Scholars: February 1, 2007 (access application on www.gswi.org)

The Gerontological Society of America Abstract Submission Deadline: March 15 (online submission will be open at the beginning of February 2007)

In this Issue:
1. Announcements
2. Research & News
3. Funding Opportunities
4. Resources

Announcements

Highlights of the upcoming Gero-Ed Forum!
The Gero-Ed Forum planning is nearing completion as we put the final touches on the February 2-4, 2007 event!  Registration numbers are over 200 and workshop topics and presenters are currently posted on our Web site: www.Gero-EdCenter.org. 

We are happy to highlight several events for participants to look forward to:

• Keynote address by Kathy “GIDGET” Kohner Zuckerman, the little surfer girl with big ideas is now an inspiring nationally regarded speaker who resumed surfing as an older adult.  Book signing to follow the ceremony.
• Learn the latest directions in social work education related to competency-based education, presented by Phyllis Black, Chair of the CSWE Commission on Curriculum and Educational Innovation and JoAnn Damron Rodriguez, one of the authors of the current gero competencies.
• Showcase Event and Reception – Over 50 peer reviewed abstracts will showcase the best practices from across the country.  The Showcase will include a sponsored reception in a relaxed exhibit-hall type venue.  A free gift will be given to the first 100 participants who visit the Gero-Ed Center table during this event!  
• Stump the Funder – Four funders, representing national, regional and local foundations, will answer participants’ questions about funding and grantwriting.

Please visit our Web site for further updates: www.Gero-EdCenter.org.  If you have not yet registered, please do so today – we anticipate reaching maximum registration numbers in the coming weeks!

The CSWE GeroRich Monograph Is Now Available Online
The CSWE GeroRich Monograph, Achieving Curricular and Organizational Change: Impact of the CSWE Geriatric Enrichment in Social Work Education Project, is now available on the CSWE Gero-Ed Center Website (www.Gero-EdCenter.org).  This monograph synthesizes data gathered and lessons learned from the CSWE Geriatric Enrichment in Social Work Education (GeroRich) Project and is a useful resource for anyone committed to “gerontologizing” their social work programs.

New NIH application submission procedures
As of February 5, 2007, all Research Project Grant R01 applications must be submitted electronically. For additional information, Click Here.

Research & News

Increase in elderly deaths as a result of falling
An Associated Press article acknowledges the increase in deaths related to falls among the elderly population.  Falling is now the 14th leading cause of elderly death, and one primary reason is because people are living longer with chronic diseases.  Falls are usually associated with conditions of aging.  The article does indicate, however, that there has been a significant decline in hip fractures, possibly as a result of increased osteoporosis screenings and Medicare coverage of bone density screenings. The article also contains a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on tips to prevent falls. To access article, Click Here.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases statistical data on falls among the elderly population
The CDC has released a report of statistical data and information on trends in injury and death-related falls among the elderly population. To access, Click Here.

Analysis of economic implications for caregiving nation-wide
The Family Caregiver Alliance has released data on caregiving and its economic value on a nationwide level. To access this data and other caregiving information, Click Here.

Many seniors falling into Medicare coverage gap
According to a report on National Public Radio (NPR), many seniors are falling into a coverage gap. Several of the plans participating with Medicare help pay for prescriptions at the beginning of the coverage term, stop when costs get too high, then start providing coverage again when costs are extremely high.  This is a significant problem for seniors with low income and high medication costs.  Some seniors are venturing outside of their plans to pay for prescriptions; however, Medicare officials do not recommend this and suggest seniors shop within their plans.  To access the full article, Click Here.

New data indicates significant decline in chronic disability among older adults
According to an analysis of data from the National Long-Term Care Survey (NLTCS), chronic disability among older adults has dropped significantly and the rate of this decline has accelerated, as well.  The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging, a component of the National Institutes of Health. Improved elderly health and function are potential contributors to the drop in chronic disability among this population.  To access article, Click Here.

Funding Opportunities

National Institute of Justice (NIJ): Research evaluation on the abuse, neglect and exploitation of elderly individuals, older women, and residents of residential care facilities
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is soliciting proposals for research and evaluation in the areas of abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly, older women and individuals in residential care facilities. The NIJ provides grants and enters into contracts with States, local governments, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, higher education institutions and qualified individuals.  The deadline for proposal submission is Jan. 30, 2007.  For more information, Click Here.                         

Resources

November 2006 NIH Public Bulletin now available online
Learn more about back pain, increased falls among the elderly and secrets to a healthier life in this month’s NIH Public Bulleting.  Also get information on events, announcements and new resources. To Access, Click Here.

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