Older adults who prefer aging in place and corresponding challenges to social workers: the impact of smartphone-based interventions

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper reports a study on the impact of a smartphone meditation app (M-App) in building resilience and competencies among social workers with aging in place (AIP) initiatives. Compared to a control group who used the leisure app (L-App), M-App users reported greater resilience and gerontological social work competencies 6 months posttest (T2). Women social workers, Christians, who specialized in home-based care, and whose core clientele comprised older adults with acquired disability and long-term illness, reported greater resilience at T2. Women social workers and those who specialized in home-based care exhibited greater gerontological competencies at T2. Disciplined M-App usage and self-practice mediated the association between socio-demographic moderators and outcomes. Clients of women and Christian social workers, home-based care specialists and those who diligently adhered to the intervention reported higher satisfaction. The interesting finding was that this satisfaction was reported by Christian clients and those who lived with family members as compared to Hindu and Muslim clients and those who lived alone with formal caregivers. For gerontological social workers with AIP initiatives, the M-App could be used in a continuing education training with some refinements for men, non-Christian social workers and engaged in AIP programs through community and neighborhood support practice.