Question

the six (6) main roles of social workers in the long-term care setting are as follows: informational, case manager, coordination, enabler, intervention, and advocacy. Select two (2) of the listed roles and compare and contrast the main responsibilities associated with them.

Answer 1

The role of social worker in long-term care (LTC) or AL settings varies depending upon the situations. The main roles include mental health counselling, care planning and participation in multidisciplinary teams, coordination of the AL decision-making and transition process, case management, advocacy, and support to families. The social worker in the long-term care setting should possess the skills of multidisciplinary team coordination and decision-making skills that will aid them to provide services within specialized settings and new environment. The long-term care facility will be a new environment for the older adults and they may experience adjustment problems as they relocate. The role of social workers will be pivotal in assisting elders and families in moving decisions and transitions to LTC settings.

The enabler role :

The social worker in the LTC facilities should assess the patient's condition and enable them to be a part of the LTC facility. An enabler can assist the clients to cope with difficult circumstances and ensure their adequate participation in the problem-solving process. The enabler role aids to set realistic goals and plan accordingly. The social worker as an enabler works closely in contact with the patients, families and groups to reshape the behavioural obstacles in achieving the goal. They can also act as the mediator to ease the issues between the LTC staff and inmates. Transition counselling is one of the methods used by the social worker in enabling older people to be a part of the LTC facility.

The advocate role:

According to the Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, one of a social worker's principal functions is advocacy. The social worker in the LTC facility as an advocate is bound to collaborate with other staff and medical professionals to ensure a patient’s wishes are carried out. The advocate role is especially important when the patient is not competent to communicate or make his own decisions. The advocate must ensure the protection of the patient from abuse and improve the quality of life to the possible extent. whenever possible. The social worker speaks on behalf of the patient to protect his/her individual rights. The client advocate the role of the social worker helps them in participating in advanced directives.

The social workers in the LTC facilities can make sure that the psychosocial needs of the patient will be addressed effectively. The comfort and interests of the inmates will be protected by the help social workers.