Department of Social Work

Geriatric Counselling Centre

We have an alarming increase in the elderly population due to the advancement in science and technology which resulted in their management of disease and disability and increased their longevity. We could seed the mushroom growth of old age homes throughout the nation and tremendous increase in the number of elderlies with psychosocial issues. As per the National Statistical Office's (NSO) elderly in India 2021 study, India's elderly population (aged 60 and more) is expected to reach 194 million in 2031, up 41% from 138 million in 2021. This increased physical, psychological, social and financial pressures on them and their family members, combined with increased fragility of the older person, can create a dangerous situation as our population ages and then becomes severely disabled and/or cognitively challenged.

The Geriatric Counselling Centre that will function in the Department of Social Work, Bharathidasan University will provide free comprehensive supportive counselling and guidance to the elderly people who are residing in the old age homes and in their own residence situated in and around Tiruchirappalli Districts by way of professional consultative, preventive and innovative services. It will handle older people who are 60 years of age or above.

This centre is devoted to provide psychosocial support and recreational services to the elderly population, teaching and training students and conducting research that generates new knowledge that contributes to the quality of life of elderly people and disseminate knowledge about elderly population to the students. We carry out these activities in an interdisciplinary and caring manner that always respects the dignity of those we serve and create an elderly friendly environment and manpower.

Mission: To improve the health and quality of life of older adults across Tiruchirappalli District of Tamil Nadu through innovation in education, research, counselling and to provide professional help to relieve their suffering, enhance their recovery and promote their emotional well-being.

Vision: To lead and to be innovative in the care and support of older persons through guidance and counselling and to enable healthy ageing.

To achieve the above objectives, the following specific activities will be carried out by the Centre professionally which are not only problem-oriented but also growth and development oriented in an integrated manner.

Assessment

• Emotional Assessment
• Behavioural Assessment
• Aptitude/Skill Assessment

Counselling Services

• Individual counselling
• Family counselling
• Caregiver counselling
• Group counselling

Therapy

• Art therapy
• Behavioural therapy
• Music therapy
• Dance therapy
• Drama therapy

Geriatric Mental Health Programmes

• Awareness Programmes
• Mental Health Screening Camps
• Training Programmes

Geriatric Mental Health Promotional Activities

• Stress Management
• Anger Management
• Disability Management
• Geriatric Care Management

Specific Activities for Social Work Trainees

Gain subject knowledge about

• Gerontological Social Work
• Theories of old age
• Elderly Care
• Management
• Rehabilitation

Applications of Methods of Social Work

• Health problems
• Psychological problems
• Social problems
• Adjustmental problems
• Economic problems
• Legal Issues- property distribution

Geriatric Counselling Centre activities are carried out by professionally trained Social Workers specialized in the field of Clinical Social Work under the guidance and supervision of the Coordinator.

 Activity Report

 Events and Photos