Patricia Ann Booth Talks with Cambridge Who's Who about the Importance of Social Work for an Aging Population
"We need to realize that seniors have a lot to contribute to society," commented geriatric social worker Patricia Ann Booth

NORTH PALM BEACH, FL, April 6, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ --Set amongst the backdrop of tropical fauna and nestled comfortably in a quiet neighborhood in West Palm Beach, AHEPA 18 Senior Residential Community provides a safe and low-cost housing option for seniors. It is there that Cambridge Who's Who caught up with Patricia Ann Booth for an exclusive interview regarding her role at AHEPA as a geriatric social worker.

With an excess of 12 ½ years in the human services field, Patricia worked at AHEPA #18 (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) in West Palm Beach. The last two ½ years she has worked with Mederi Caretenders Home Health out of the North Palm Beach office and the Delray Beach office. "My major [responsibility] working with seniors is to help provide resources that will enable them to [remain] in independent living," she stated confidently. Indeed, Patricia is uniquely positioned to offer the highest quality senior care and counseling services. A self-described "people person" and "problem solver," she helps the elderly network with the Department of Children and Family as well as with the Social Security Office in an effort to help them attain traditional Medicare and Medicaid benefits or disenroll from HMO insurance plans. In addition to her more technical and paperwork-heavy responsibilities, Patricia utilizes her background in psychology and social work to perform interventions and manage emotional support for geriatric residents and family members.

Patricia's presence at AHEPA always leads to smiles and hugs all around. This human contact is what she has become recognized for in both of her positions. Her personal mission, as she tells it, is to respect and treat each person fairly to gain trust and mutual understanding. She commented, "[Many in] our society believe that seniors have a lot to offer...they have a voice [and] haven't forgotten how to be rebels. They [can] make their voice heard." With this in mind, Patricia adheres to her theory that with proper guidance, many seniors may not even require the continuous assistance of a social worker. She teaches each of her clients how to be their own advocate and calls for healthcare professionals to be more cognisant of the aging population. "As seniors live longer...we need more doctors who are sensitive to seniors. Nurses who take CEU credits should be required to take gerontology credits."

A New York transplant, Patricia formerly served as the director of religious education for Our Holy Redeemer Parish in Freeport, New York as well as St. Lucie Catholic Parish in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. While studying for her master's degree, she worked for the juvenile justice system, an experience that she recalled as both challenging and rewarding. "I especially liked [working with] seniors, although the other population I liked was teens, though they're way at the other end of the spectrum," she laughed.

Patricia is currently deciding whether to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology, social work, or a JD in elder law. She holds a master of social work from Barry University and a master of arts in religion and pastoral ministry from St. John's University. A graduate of Molloy College, she earned a bachelor of arts in philosophy and worked in the office of Catechesis and Leadership Development in the Diocese of Palm Beach for 10 years. Patricia is a certified Catechist and received a pontifical diploma through the Holy See in Rome. She also received the Service Coordinator of the Year Award in 2003 from the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association for her work with AHEPA 18 and is professionally affiliated with the National Association of Social Workers, the International Group of Social Workers and the Florida Conference on Aging. Patricia resides in Palm Beach Gardens and enjoys swimming and singing in her church choir in her free time.

Patricia Ann Booth can be contacted at 561-358-0420, or via email at dreamrlty2@ao.com.

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