What is a Gerontologist?
A gerontologist is a professional that specializes in the special needs and issues that relate to older adults and to aging populations in general. Some gerontologists work in coordinating health and/or social services, while others work at maintaining older adults active and healthy in the community. A number of gerontologists work in research, yet others are to be found in the policy arena trying to change laws and regulations that affect older adults. The distinguishing feature of gerontologists is not what they do but that they are all working to improve the lives of older adults in some capacity or another. It is easier to define a gerontologist by his or her actions!
Gerontologists' Roles:
Direct Service:
- Access client needs
- Provide services directly to the older client and family
- Coordinate services with other agencies and institutions
- Work to assure for older clients and their families that the services are appropriate and of high quality
- Evaluate and modify the services needed
- Conduct outreach to expand and enhance client base
- Carry out advocacy on behalf of older person
Education and Training:
- Plan and conduct educational programs for older persons, their caregivers, and families
- Plan and conduct continuing education programs for paraprofessionals and professionals interested in serving the elderly
- Instruct preprofessionals
- Coordinate intergenerational programs
Program Planning and Evaluation:
- Identify the needs of the community
- Plan the programs and facilities
- Determine the level and timing of funds required
- Develop the staffing and management plans
- Determine with the evaluation plan for the program
- Consult with other agencies and programs
- Coordinate with other programs
Administration and Policy:
- Design the structure, motivate and supervise the activities of staff members
- Determine common monitors and modify organizational expenditures
- Coordinate activities within the organization and with other organizations
- Conduct analyses of current and proposed programs
- Increase public awareness of needs and services
Gerontologists' Places of Employment:
Health Facilities:
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic and Assessment Centers
- Community Clinics
- Hospices
- HMO's
Mental Health Facilities
- VA and State Hospitals
- Homebound Programs
- Day Treatment Programs
- Community Health Centers
Rehabilitation and Job Placement:
- State Rehabiliation Agencies
- Job Retraining and Placement Agencies
Social Services:
- Family Service Agencies
- Departments of Social Service
- Senior Centers
- Church Related Agencies
Corporations:
- New Service or Product Development
- Private Consultation
- Marketing of Products
Living Arrangements:
- Retirement Communities
- Congregate Homes
Research:
- Universities and Colleges
- Government Agencies
- Corporations
Community Agencies
- Senior Centers
- Retirement Communities
- Adult Day Care
Government Agencies
- Federal and State Legislative Bodies
- Planning or Transportation Agencies
- Area Agencies on Aging
Advocacy Organizations
- Membership Organizations
- Research Organizations
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