A SYNERGETIC MODEL FOR PREVENTING DIFFICULT LIFE SITUATIONS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

The object of the study is the process of preventing older adults from entering difficult life situations (hereinafter, DLS). The aim of the study is to examine the specific features of work with older adults in the Republic of Armenia and in a number of other countries, and subsequently to develop and implement a synergetic model for organizing such work.

Research methodology and methods. The methodological framework is based on the principles of psychology and social work, scientific propositions concerning patterns of change in the lives of older adults and cause-and-effect relationships manifested in different situations, the principle of the unity of consciousness and activity, as well as the principles of lifespan developmental psychology. The research methods include comparative analysis of the legal and regulatory framework governing the organization of long-term care for older adults in the Republic of Armenia and the practices of other countries; simultaneous analysis of multiple factors influencing the risk of entering a DLS; analysis of scientific literature on developmental psychology and synergetics; thematic analysis of anonymized comparable cases from social work practice; interviews; and individual monitoring. The outcome of the study is the development and implementation of a model aimed at the early identification of the risk of an older adult entering a DLS. The model integrates a map of interactions among care providers, a unified support program, case coordination by a social worker, and monitoring proportionate to the level of risk.