According to Google, a social worker is a trained professional whose aim is to alleviate the conditions of those in need of help or welfare, but according to our clients they are so much more:
“You people do such great work over there – providing essential resources for our seniors.”
“I will never forget who held my hand and guided me through the process — thanking you is not enough. I would never have known how to maneuver through the system and maintain my sanity… Please continue your work, as there are others who need your encouragement, patience and knowledge.
The social workers who staff the agency’s Senior Outreach & Caregiver services program help families and individuals to see the big picture and help in identifying and obtaining assistance with local services, personal finance, mental and physical illness, family dynamics, and many other issues.
We work with the older person to assess both their strengths and needs. Based on their values, preferences, and finances, together we make a plan of changes that will improve their life. The job of a social worker is not to “fix” someone, but rather to help people make the changes they desire. The goal of the program is to assist older clients and their families in accessing the most appropriate and affordable combination of services that help clients stay in the community for as long as possible.
Senior Outreach & Caregiver Services also provides support to friends, spouses, and other family members who help an older adult remain at home. Our staff not only assists these caregivers in connecting with needed services and resources for their loved one, but gives support to them as well. Our licensed social workers can provide consultation, caregiver support groups, family meeting facilitation, and coaching to the caregiver. For computer savvy caregivers, the program also offers an online care team tool – CareNextion – to provide an efficient method of enlisting other family and friends in sharing the care.
If you would like to learn more about our Senior Outreach & Caregiver Services program or about any one of our other programs visit http://seniorcommunity.org/programs/ or call (952) 541-1019.
Krystal Wiebusch, LSW
952-746-4028
