The Office of Aging and Long Term Care (OALTC)

The Office of Aging and Long Term Care (OALTC) is located in the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. The office was created to improve social service practice and policy for older adults. The office also helps to develop faculty and student's knowledge and skills in working with older adults. Faculty and staff work with the Kansas Department on Aging (KDOA) and the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Service (SRS), as well as a variety of other public and private service organizations to provide research, training and technical support.

Dr. Rosemary Chapin is the Director of the OALTC.

Current Events

Hoarding- Interview with KPR
The OALTC's research in hoarding among older adults was recently
featured on "Research Matters." The Director of the OALTC, Dr. Rosemary
Chapin, was interviewed regarding the project findings. Findings include
a profile of older adults who hoard, an analysis of city and county
codes that can affect individuals who hoard, and information regarding
barriers, interventions, and next steps to addressing cases of hoarding
from stakeholders in Kansas communities. Also discussed were
interventions that support a hoarder's independence in the community as
well as recommendations for utilizing existing community resources to
address hoarding problems. For more information on this subject click
here.

Planning for Long-Term Care Services- Lawrence Journal World According to Lawrence Journal World (LJW), KU is "ahead of the curve on
geriatric work," which includes research conducted by the OALTC. Dr.
Rosemary Chapin, was recently interviewed by LJW about her 2006 report
entitled "Planning for Long Term Care Services in Kansas Before the
Boom," which will help address the unique needs of the older adult
population in Kansas. For more information on this subject click here.

Mental Health- Kansas Health Institute
Dr. Rosemary Chapin was recently interviewed by Kansas Health Institute
regarding the need for improved mental health services for the aging
population. A study by the OALTC showed that nearly one-third of
assisted living facility residents face mental illness but do not
receive services. The effects of a limited service delivery system were
discussed along with possible solutions for addressing the mental health
needs of older adults. For more information on this subject click here.

Interagency Network for Aging Rosemary Chapin moderated the Interagency Network for Aging (INFA) Legislative Forum. INFA is an aging partnership made up of directors from local agencies that provide services to seniors. The purpose of the forum is for Douglas County legislators to address issues that are important to older adults.

KU SSW Partnership for Productive Aging Education (PPAE) project showcased at Gero-Ed Forum

(Left to right) Holly Nelson-Becker, Associate Professor, and Kris Matthews, MSW, Assistant Director of Field Education at the University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare showcase their "Partnership for Productive Aging Education" (PPAE) Project at the 2007 Gero-Ed Forum, February 2-4, 2007 in Charleston, SC. Not Pictured: Doreen Higgins, Project Coordinator, Rosemary Chapin, Professor and Co-PI, and Jean Peterson, Director of Field.

Recent Publications

Chapin, R. (2006). Social Policy for Effective Practice: A Strengths Approach. Boston: MA: McGraw Hill.

Awards

Beth Baca was named a recipient of the 2007 Hartford Doctoral Fellows Pre-Dissertation Award, which is focused on promoting an interest in gerontological social work. This national award is funded by the John A Hartford Foundation and administered by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

Holly Nelson-Becker was selected as a member of the National Program Advisory Committee for the Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program.

Holly Nelson-Becker was selected to attend the NIA Research Training in Aging and Social Work Institute in Duluth, Minnesota.

Revised: August 14, 2008 .

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