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Do you want to know who I believe has the most demanding job in the nursing home setting? It’s the social worker. Why? Because the social worker becomes the go-to person when someone has a major problem or complaint.
Despite this, over the years I’ve worked with so many social workers who love their jobs. And they’re passionate about helping nursing home residents live the best lives possible.
Previously, we’ve looked at the roles of the nursing staff and the rehab staff in the nursing home. Today we’ll explore the role of the social worker.
Is a nursing home required to employ a social worker?
According to federal regulations, any nursing home with over 120 beds must employ a full-time social worker. However, regardless of size, every facility must meet the social services needs of each resident. They might accomplish this through other staff members and/or outside resources. Individual states can also set their own standards besides rules established by the federal government.
What type of education does a nursing home social worker need?
Most nursing home staff in the social services department hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from a 4-year college or university. However, this person could also have a degree in another field related to human services, such as psychology or sociology. Facilities often prefer a master’s degree for the director of the social services department.
Social service designees often assist social workers. These staff members receive special training to carry out some of the social services responsibilities under the supervision of a social worker. You might hear these people referred to by other titles such as case manager.
What does a social worker do all day?
A nursing home social worker carries an enormous array of responsibilities. These are several of the most common ones:
- Coordinates the admission process when a new resident enters the nursing home
- Works with the resident, family, and other caregivers to develop an individualized plan of care
- Facilitates support groups on topics such as Alzheimer’s disease
- Follows up on concerns/complaints from residents or their families
- Takes part in the MDS process
- Educates staff on topics such as resident rights
- Helps assure the nursing home policies comply with state and federal regulations
- Coordinates follow-up services after a resident goes home
- Investigates allegations of neglect or abuse
- Supports/educates families during difficult situations such as financial challenges or the dying process
- Coordinates referrals to specialty services such as hospice care
As I mentioned in the beginning, people most often go to a social worker to voice a complaint or concern. So, this week I hope you’ll make a special point of seeking out your facility’s social worker for a different reason. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and their dedication to the residents and their families.
I know there are nursing home social workers among my blog readers. What else do you want people to know about your role?
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