Course Overview
PA 388K (65475), LAW 389V (30670), SOC 395J
(45960); CRP ()
TITLE: Advanced Policy and Practice Seminar “Aging, Health, and Social Welfare”
FACULTY Jacqueline L. Angel, Ph.D
TIME Monday, 9 am-12 noon
PLACE LBJ School, SRH 3.216
OFFICE HOURS Tuesday, 10-11 am, SRH 3.239 and by appointment on-line or in-person. You may also drop by to see if I am in or contact me in advance to meet with me.
E-MAIL jangel@austin.utexas.edu
VOICE 512.471.2956
Background
Life expectancy around the world is increasing rapidly. According to the World Health Organization, one out of every four people in the high middle and upper-income countries will reach 65 by 2050. Longer lives, combined with declining fertility and shrinking family size will fundamentally change the lives of individuals, families and societies. These demographic changes have profound social, economic, and legal implications. All health policy is codified in laws and regulations which we will review. Perhaps the most important aspect of this new demographic and social reality relates to how it could affect relations among generations.
In this course we deal with evolving political and legal challenges faced by municipal entities in assuring the welfare of the young and the old. Finding high- quality day care for children presents a major problem to many families. Working parents, especially single mothers, racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income families need reasonably priced day care, especially during extended working hours. That is often difficult or impossible to find. The problem does not end there though. Although the need for childcare continues as always, families’ care burden has become more complex as the result of the growing need for elder care. As life expectancy increases for all groups the empty nest period of family life after children are gone is often occupied by the need to provide and care for aging parents. Long-term is not covered by Medicare and poses major financial and legal challenges to older individuals and families. Increasingly Medicaid is called upon to finance such care. Understanding the legal issues involved is vital.
Format
In order to understand the changing needs of marginalized groups in an aging metropolis, we use Austin-Travis County as a case example. Potential topics to be covered are social, economic, and legal issues as they relate to affordable housing, homelessness, transportation, medical care, social services, access to electronic media, and income supports. Various ways of addressing this new reality, one of which the instructor has been involved with in recent years intergenerational day centers (IDC), will be explored.
Evaluation
Class participation (25 percent), weekly reflection essays (25 Percent), a briefing report (25%) and a Team power-point presentation (25%) are required. Your final course grade will be determined by completion of all assignments.