Senior Spotlight: A Glimpse Into Social Workers For Seniors

Did you know that March is National Social Work Month? You may know social work is a profession defined by dedication to helping others improve their lives. Did you know that social workers can play a key role in helping older adults as they age, and that there is a field of social work focused on geriatric case management?

We first covered this topic on our blog about 6 months ago, and today we are re-publishing this information with updates for 2025 in honor of National Social Work Month.

One Family's Story

Last fall, Next Avenue published an article titled ‘Help All Around: Social Workers Play Crucial Role in Our Well-Being’ which summarized how “the primary focus of social work is enhancing the psychosocial, emotional and behavioral well-being of individuals, families and groups.” The article provided a relatable example of how a social worker guided a woman with a broken hip as well as her daughter and medical team to manage multiple medical conditions and care options, ultimately leading to some tough decisions about quality of life and comfort care. While the outcome could not be changed, the adult daughter of the patient described the social worker’s support as validating, compassionate and supportive. This sounds like something we all need when walking the hardest roads in life. 

How To Find A Geriatric Social Worker

But how common are geriatric social workers? How do you find one? There are nearly 140,000 geriatric social workers in the United States, and this field is ranked as one of the top 20 careers in terms of growth potential by the John A. Hartford Foundation. Approximately 85% of geriatric social workers are women, while 15% are men. 77% of geriatric social workers are more likely to work at private companies, while fewer work for government agencies.

To find one in your area, start by checking with your local city or county area on aging. You may also wish to search online at the Aging Life Care Association in which you can search by zip code for different types of life care experts. You may also try the Eldercare Locator, the California Department of Aging, and inquire with your medical provider if they have access to resources. You can also search the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) agency listing by county here.

What Geriatric Social Workers Can Do For You

The National Institute On Aging discusses geriatric care managers as licensed social workers (and sometimes nurses) who specialize in health care for older adults to identify needs, make a care plan, and find services in the community. A geriatric care manager may: discuss difficult topics and complex issues, make home visits and suggest services, address emotional concerns, make short- and long-term plans, evaluate in-home care needs, coordinate medical services, refer to other care specialists and provide stress relief to caregivers. 

Social workers for the aging population also serve as a critical support for the nearly 15% of adults over age 60 who are living with a mental health disorder. 

Some of the emerging trends in the practice of geriatric social work are assistive technologies, combating loneliness, mental health awareness, a focus on preventative care, community-based interventions, specialization and data-driven practice. 

What Now?

While we wish we could offer a single professional to support all of your needs as you age, we hope knowledge about social workers and geriatric care managers is an added tool in your toolbox! Please consider advocating for a social worker if you find yourself struggling in a hospital or home care setting and be sure to talk to your insurance about the coverage of social workers in your mental and behavioral health benefits. 

May we utilize the resources available to live longer & live better,

Bobbi

Bonus Resource: 10 Frequently Asked Questions for Geriatric Social Workers

Bobbi Decker
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