Counseling older people can present a counselor with a set of challenges that are sometimes even unparallel with their areas of practice. In order to enable them to meet their goals, they often require intermixing of psychological, medical, economic, social, and rehabilitative capacities. This requires counselor to undertake the adaptations distinctively while considering the person-centered approach of counseling. For example, Alexander Smith - a 75 years old elderly with an impaired vision has a goal to write his autobiography; however, his weakened eyesight does not allow him to spend a great deal of time in front of typewriter or any other writing aid. This also required him to sit for an hour and he is also limitedly capable due to his reduced mandibles strength (fragile bones). Apparently, Alexander is thinking of giving up his goal of writing his book because he thinks that he does not have a certain level of physical activeness that is required to achieve his goal.
On the basis of TAW (Try Another Way) approach of Marc W. Gold, there are different ways that can assist Smith to achieve his target of writing a book even with his impaired vision. One appropriate way to encourage him to achieve his goal is to prescribe him with a thorough disposition that will include adequate usage of diffused light, wearing prescribed glasses while writing, as well as, preferring timings with daylight for writing. On the other hand, he should be encouraged to use a recording aid to which he can record his voice, which can be then typed by an appointed writer. He should also be encouraged to use modern applications that can convert his voice into written words, which can then be printed. These are the two ways that can help Smith achieving his goal in spite of his physical limitations of impaired vision and mandibles strength.
References
Psychology (2016) Counseling the Elderly. Data retrieved From http://psychology.iresearchnet.com/counseling-psychology/counseling-process/counseling-the-elderly/ on July 25, 2016
