Geriatric or gerontological social workers are focused on meeting the physical and social needs of older adults. They can be found in a wide variety of settings, such as hospitals, state agencies, service and referral agencies (i.e., agencies on aging), rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and private practice.
Depending on the agency and the specialty of the social worker, some of the services that one might provide include:
· Referral to necessary services, including health care, financial advice and assistance, and legal services.
· Functional evaluations to determine eligibility for services.
· Mental health evaluation and counseling.
· Discharge planning after hospitalizations.
· Support and advocacy in matters of health, money, and social lives. For example, social workers are trained to identify signs of elder abuse and take action when necessary.
Social workers often work closely with other professionals, including health care providers, attorneys, and financial advisors, as well as families, to ensure that older adults are well-cared for and have everything they need.