If you are looking for someone to help be an advocate for your aging loved one, than you may want to find a geriatric social worker. Geriatric social workers make up about 5% of the nation’s 600,000+ social workers. These hard-working individuals can help older adults overcome many challenges and can connect them with vital resources and services. Not sure if you need a social worker or where to start? We’ve outlined some helpful information about the many services available from geriatric social workers.
What Is Geriatric Social Work?
The field of social work utilizes social theories to understand human problems, to help improve people’s lives, and to improve society as a whole. Many who work in this field specialize in particular areas, such as helping children, assisting those with life-threatening problems, or aiding people in overcoming addictions. Geriatric social workers help those above the age of 65 adjust to and cope with problems they may experience. These social workers focus on the unique needs that older adults may experience.
How Can a Geriatric Social Worker Help?
Geriatric social workers are trained to assist the elderly as they deal with a wide assortment of problems, like mental disorders, social problems, financial issues, emotional problems, and health care needs. Geriatric social workers typically perform the following job functions:
- Assessing the needs, strengths, weaknesses, situations, and support systems of elderly clients and patients, in an effort to develop short-term and long-term goals and treatment plans
- Developing treatment plans that are designed to improve the mental health and well-being of elderly clients and patients
- Helping clients and patients adjust to life changes (i.e. illnesses, divorces, debt, death, and/or unemployment)
- Researching and referring elderly clients and patients to resources (i.e. government housing, medical services, Meals-on-Wheels, transportation, and food stamps)
- Helping elderly clients and patients sign up for government assistance (i.e. Medicare)
- Tracking the progress of elderly clients and patients
- Acting as a liaison and advocate for elderly clients and patients
- Arranging social activities and gatherings for elderly clients and patients
There are many places to find professional social workers who provide individual psychotherapy and other forms of mental health assistance, including group therapy and support groups. To find your social worker visit the National Association of Social Workers and search in your area.