Aging sometimes brings on uncomfortable changes that impact physical and mental health. Receiving quality care during this stage has positive and long-lasting impacts, and at the center of it all are social workers. Senior social workers are passionate about their field and they serve as advocates who ensure the well-being of our seniors.
The role of social workers in senior care is versatile as they address multiple issues. They provide ongoing assessments, coordinate with healthcare providers, and even make sure there is support for the family. Read on to learn more about the significance of social workers and how they play a critical role in senior care.
What is a Social Worker in Senior Care?
Senior social workers are full of passion and have vast expertise in tending to the welfare of the elderly. Often working with individuals over the age of 65, these social workers pinpoint certain issues in the realm of their health and environment that may be influencing the senior’s level of continual independence and safety.
When it comes to the role of social workers in senior care, they are often the middlemen between seniors and other health professionals to assist with achieving the best possible outcome. Senior social workers are typically found at assisted living facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Significance of Social Workers in Senior Care
Two-thirds of seniors who have mental health issues do not receive proper treatment. Senior social workers have a wealth of insights into the challenges faced by the aging population and are well-suited to provide guidance and emotional support. Since social workers are able to identify unusual signs of aging, they can refer seniors to the proper health professionals as well as non-medical help. They will also help seniors to reclaim activities they used to enjoy. When working with a social worker, you’re not alone. In fact, the role of social workers in senior care involves collaborating with you and your loved one for an extended period.
Essential Responsibilities of Social Workers in Senior Care
Senior social workers will assist you and your senior loved one in a variety of ways. With plenty of experience under their belt, they have the knowledge needed to address the concerns of the senior population. In the role of social workers in senior care, some of the common responsibilities include psychological assessments, therapy, and healthcare coordination. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities of social workers in senior care below:
Psychological Assessments
Social workers perform psychological assessments to evaluate mental, emotional, and social needs. Continuous assessments reveal unfavorable behavior or mental changes that can be shared with healthcare providers.
Healthcare Coordination
Social workers coordinate with various healthcare teams to make sure your loved one is receiving the best possible care. With care coordination, the social worker performs psychological assessments and notifies the healthcare providers about the senior’s health. They also communicate any concerns you or your loved one may have.
Conduct Therapy
While social workers coordinate healthcare, they also conduct therapy to help seniors manage adverse emotions and promote their mental well-being. Not only are therapy interventions provided to the seniors, but also their families. As you’re caring for your senior loved one, you may encounter distressing feelings as well as financial hardships.
Family Member Support
Not only do age-related issues affect the senior, but they also affect you as the family member as well as those who are providing care. Adjusting to changes is difficult, which is why senior social workers help family members with getting through new obstacles. Social workers lay out techniques for ensuring the senior’s needs are being met while you also get adjusted to taking care of yourself.
Takeaway
As we go through the challenges that are encountered by the aging population, social workers play a critical role in making sure the needs of seniors are met. By offering support that stretches beyond physical health, social workers in senior care wear many hats from conducting assessments to offering support for family members. Even more so, their collaboration with other healthcare professionals ensures the best possible outcome in your senior loved one’s life.
If you need an extra helping hand, Senior Check-In offers comprehensive high-quality in-home care. Whether you need full-time home care services or a companion for your loved one, our passionate team is equipped to take on just about any task. Contact us today by calling (855) 420-1200 or by filling out our online contact form below.
Recent Comments