Why Gerontology?
What Do Gerontologists Do?
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Direct Service
Gerontologists provide mental, social, and physical health services directly to the elderly and their families and coordinate services with other agencies and institutions.
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Administration
Gerontologists plan, design, and administer programs and services for the elderly and their families and manage staff and budgets.
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Public Policy
Gerontologists formulate and advocate public policies dealing with aging. They evaluate programs and services, and increase public awareness of needs and services for the elderly and their families.
Where Do Gerontologists Work?
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Health Facilities
Hospitals; Health Maintenance Organizations; Long Term Care Facilities; Home Health Agencies; Hospices; Alzheimer Centers; Rehabilitation Centers
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Mental Health Facilities
Community Health Mental Centers; Veterans' Administration and State Hospitals; Homebound Programs; Skilled Nursing Facilities
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Social Services
Family Service Agencies; Department of Social Support Services; Geriatric Centers; Public, Non-Profit and Private Sectors
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Community Agencies
Senior Centers; Retirement Communities; Adult Day Care/Day Health; Assisted Living Centers
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Government Agencies
Federal and State Legislative Bodies; Area Agencies on Aging; Social Security Administration; Health and Human Services Agencies
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Advocacy Organizations
Federal and State Level; American Association of Retired Persons; Caregiver Groups; Eldercare
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Private Practice
Social Workers; Marriage, Family, and Child Counselors; Case Managers; Psychologists; Consultants in Gerontology