Wanda Lott Collins

Another day in paradise: a photovoice journey of rural older adults living with diabetes.

This article provides the results of a photovoice project conducted with older adults affected by diabetes living in three rural counties in the southern region of the United States. Photovoice is a community-based participatory action methodology that puts the tools of research in the hands of participants. This project was an initial community engagement activity that promoted trust-building and formed part of a larger comprehensive community needs assessment. The process revealed themes of personal and community resilience focused on the daily living with diabetes, formal and informal supports, barriers to taking care of their diabetes, accessibility to fruits and vegetables, changes to food preparation and consumption, and exercise supports and barriers. The impact of the photovoice project on the participants and the implications for practice are discussed.

Long-distance caregiving: A case study of an African-American family

A growing number of Americans are managing and monitoring long-distance caregiving for an elderly parent. The authors offer a first-hand experience of caregiving involving an African-American family, which will be useful to both caregivers and practitioners. The challenges that result from long-distance caregiving are discussed. A detailed case study and assessment is followed by suggested strategies for lessening caregiver stress.

Work/Life Fit The Intersection of Developmental Life Cycle and Academic Life Cycle

A successful academic trajectory tends to be characterized by a singular Standard, that is, doctoral degree, tenure-track position, tenure, and promotion to full professor, administration, or both. Significant numbers of social work faculty struggle with the intersection of the traditional career life cycle and the developmental life cycle. This article discusses barriers that emerge from the intersection of these life cycles. Strategies to support career success and family satisfaction are also discussed, including, current law, work/life policies, self-care, and mentoring.

Spiritual Practices for Caregivers and Care Receivers

This article is written by two university social work professors who illustrate the value of spiritual practices in caring for their elderly mothers, one who had Alzheimers disease and the other who has a mental illness. The article discusses ways that human service professionals (e.g., social workers, mental health practitioners, nurses, chaplains, and other professional caregivers) can support caregivers and care receivers to explore and enhance the spiritual dimension of life, using activities such as reading sacred texts, listening to religious music, attending faith-based services, engaging in private devotional practices, praying, or connecting in a spiritual community.