Gerontology Counseling: Unveiling Counselors' Competency Issues

Abstract

Counselors are essential in empowering older adult clients, and their effectiveness relies on possessing specialized competencies. This study delves into the competency issues faced by counselors in the realm of gerontology counseling. In this qualitative research phase, interviews were conducted with 15 experienced registered counselors, each with over a decade of professional practice, utilizing a semi-structured approach. The thematic analysis of the interviews indicated that counselors had deficiencies in five areas, with a notable lack of expertise in gerontology counseling-specific knowledge and skills, as well as in their ability to exhibit the necessary personality traits and sensitivity required when working with older adults. It was also clear that there weren't any specialized gerontology counseling courses available to prepare and equip counselors for their work. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop a specialized competency model for gerontology counseling tailored to these professionals. This model is expected to serve as a pivotal tool for evaluating counselor professionalism in their service to the older adult population, addressing the identified competency issues. Importantly, this study aligns with the 2011 Malaysian National Policy for Older Persons, underscoring the critical importance of promoting active aging among the elderly and, consequently, enhancing the quality of care provided by counselors in this context.