Most people associate social workers with young children, but they are becoming important for seniors as well. Geriatric social workers can help seniors live safe and independent lives. Here are some of the benefits aging adults receive when working with a geriatric social worker. 

1. Legal Protection 

Many seniors become victims of fraud each year, such as insurance scams, funeral scams, investment schemes, counterfeit prescription drugs, and mortgage scams. Some aging adults who use the internet also fall prey to online fraud. Most scams go unreported, and a large percentage of fraud claims are difficult to prosecute. Geriatric social workers can help prevent these problems by working as advocates for the elderly. A social worker can also be the first line of defense for your senior loved one, protecting him or her from people trying to take advantage of his or her vulnerability. 

2. Finding Local Activities 

For many seniors it can be difficult to find public programs that offer free or discounted activities to the elderly. However, social workers can help your loved one find appropriate programs. These might include arts and crafts classes, educational lessons, exercise sessions, and a host of community programs that can be beneficial to a senior’s overall health. There are also private programs many seniors can benefit from, and a social worker can help your loved one search for these and determine his or her eligibility. Many social workers will even help your loved one with the application process. 

3. Delivery of Services 

Your loved one may qualify for a variety of public and private programs. However, he or she may not have the funds to participate in them. A social worker can help your loved one find grants and other financial funds he or she is eligible for, which can help your loved one pay for these programs. If your senior loved one does not have transportation to classes, the doctor’s office, the store, or any of the programs he or she qualifies for, a social worker can help him or her gain access to local transportation. 

Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior care. Burlington, VT, families trust in Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

4. Counseling Services 

As seniors age, they become susceptible to many age-related conditions, including weakened muscles, hearing impairment, and the inability to care for themselves. Being diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, macular degeneration, or other age-related health issues can have a negative effect on a senior’s mind and cause him or her to experience depression and isolation. Geriatric social workers can provide counseling services that help the elderly manage issues such as assistance with transitioning to a new home, receiving care from a family member or professional caregiver, and creating wills and other important medical documents.

Some seniors with age-related conditions such as dementia may require specialized care. If your senior loved one needs in-home dementia home care, Burlington, VT, caregivers are available around the clock to provide the high-quality care he or she needs. Using the revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method, dementia caregivers can help your loved one stay mentally engaged and delay the progression of the disease.

Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in home care. Burlington, VT, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call [hca_phone] to speak with a Care Manager who can create a customized care plan for your loved one.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US