There are many exciting therapist career opportunities in the nursing home and long-term care industry. Not only is the job industry wide open for those pursing careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and recreational therapy, but also in social work. Here are three rewarding ways social workers can not only help nursing home residents, but their families as well:
At-Home Services
As a social worker, you will be able to help patients and their families find in-home medical services, if and when the individual is discharged from the nursing home. Many nursing home residents are in a facility only for rehabilitation purposes, such as for physical or occupational therapy services after a hip replacement surgery or stroke.
These stays are often short, and may last for only a couple of months. When the patient has met his or her therapy goals, the physician will discharge them to home, however, they may still need to continue a smaller-scale therapy regimen. You, as the social worker, can set up an in-home therapy schedule with the various disciplines so that the patient can continue to recover at his or her residence.
Transfer Opportunities
Nursing home residents often need to transfer to other facilities. Sometimes, the nursing home is too far away from family members, or the resident simply may not feel comfortable in his or her current facility.
Social workers can find the best placement options for the patients based on their financial needs, family logistics, comfort level, and level of care that the patient requires. When social workers help families find alternative nursing home placement for their loved ones, it relieves them of having to sift through the maze of long-term care options.
Often times, families do not know which questions to ask nursing home administrators, and may become discouraged. It is for this reason, that you, as the social worker will have a positive impact on what can be a very stressful time in the lives of both patient and family.
Financial Concerns
Elderly nursing home residents often face financial challenges. Social workers can help them navigate the complicated rules and regulations of state and federal retirement policies, senior citizen benefits, Medicare, and public aid mandates.
It is important that the resident and his or her family get the most relevant information regarding their financial resources, so that they will know what they can afford so that their bank accounts are not depleted.
If you are thinking of a new career opportunity, consider going into long-term care social work. Call your local community college or university and speak with a career counselor, who will explain the curriculum to you so that you can determine if social work is the right choice for you.
