Geriatric Social Workers - Working With the Elderly Population

A geriatric social worker is an exciting and challenging career working with senior citizens. Many social workers in the geriatric field have to deal with clients that are experiencing depression, memory issues, anxiety and schizophrenia. The clients can have many challenges due to health issues as well as death of loved ones as well as facing their own mortality.

Many social workers in the geriatric field have a bachelor degree as well as a two year degree from a masters program that gives them the msw degree. The training for this field will provide thorough knowledge of mental health and aging such as medical knowledge, patient care and communication skills. There are opportunities available for both the bsw and msw degrees. If you are working in an assisted living facility, you generally need the master's degree in social work. For private practice, be aware that many people are on fixed incomes and have medicare so it is important to apply to be a medicare provider and get the npi number.

Some settings to work with the elderly include community organizations, assisted living facilities, senior residential centers, hospitals, state psychiatric centers and family service agencies. Some home health agencies now hire social workers to go into homes because many senior citizens are able to live alone in their home but require counseling, discussion of their concrete needs and companionship. Elderly clients often don't want to burden their children with their concerns and a counselor can help the person recognize it's important to let their kids know of their needs or contact them.

Some other job options for those with msws in the geriatrics field include the organizing and planning of programs for senior citizens. People who work in this field must have a strong love for working with the elderly and be able to deal with the multiple issues, worries and moods of their clients. This position requires a mature and compassionate person to work in this field.

In addition, this service is very helpful to seniors that don't have a lot of help from family members. The main goal of a geriatric social worker is to help elderly clients to become comfortable with aging and live a productive lifestyle.