Comfort Home Care

Maryland & Washington, D.C. In-Home Care Agency

Serving Montgomery County, Prince George's County and Washington, D.C.
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10 Ways a Geriatric Social Worker Can Help Your Family

When the physical, emotional, and organizational needs of caring for a loved one becomes overwhelming, a geriatric social worker can help.

social worker interviewing patientNo one expects to have a stroke, break a bone, or develop dementia. In fact, few of us consider the health problems we may face as we age. We live our lives, enjoy our families, and as a society look ahead to the future. But for millions of aging Americans and their families, the future is uncertain as unexpected health concerns and the financial worries associated with them appear.

Caring for an aging loved one, whether a parent or a spouse is daunting. What begins as an act of compassion and love can quickly turn to emotional and financial burnout. Caregivers, most who have no medical training, find themselves managing serious medical and mobility issues. Add the complexity of the healthcare and insurance systems and it can feel like chaos. A geriatric social worker can help control and manage the chaos.

What do Geriatric Social Workers do?

Social workers are licensed and trained professionals who provide help to individuals, families, and communities. They often work in hospitals, schools, community centers, religious organizations, and in private practice. Social workers help those in need navigate through the healthcare system, public assistance offerings, insurance agencies, and provide counseling.

Geriatric social workers have specialized skills to work with elderly clients and their families as they transition through short and long-term care needs. Here is how they can help.

  1. Assess the mental and physical health of an sick or elderly patient and prioritize needs
  2. Assist with housing options
  3. Assist with placement in nursing homes
  4. Assist with matching home health care agencies and providers to clients
  5. Help families with insurance paperwork issues
  6. Recommend daycare programs
  7. Assist with transportation and day-to-day mobility needs
  8. Work with care providers to organize care options
  9. Act as an advocate with doctors and other agency care providers
  10. Provide counseling and mental health support

Organizing Care that is Right for You

Geriatric social workers work on behalf of the elderly and their families. Because they work and live in the same communities as their clients, they are familiar with all of the area’s resources. They take the time to understand their clients. Where a doctor may only be able to spend a few minutes per patient, a social worker takes the time needed to assess a client and provide a range of solutions.

Families are often surprised to learn how much in home care is available to allow their loved one to stay home either living independent or with skilled assistance.

Social workers can help with the transition from a nursing home or rehabilitation facility back to independent living. They can also guide families caring for chronically sick loved ones or loves one suffering with dementia through the changing levels of care each family will need.

Where Can I find a Geriatric Social Worker?

Caregivers can find geriatric social workers through doctor’s referrals, community agencies, local councils on aging, and religious organizations. The US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living also provides this link to search for a professional in each state.

Families should interview social workers the same way as they would interview a doctor. Start by describing your specific needs and ask how they would help. What services do they provide? How much experience do they have? How much do they charge? What are their working terms?

By establishing a working relationship with a geriatric social worker, care givers will have support in place when they need it to navigate the changing care needs of their loved ones.

No one can plan for an illness. However, when in the midst of caring for someone, planning for the future can make a world of difference.

People Come First

Comfort Home Care aides are dementia and Alzheimer’s care certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. Our caregivers are trained to understand the phases of dementia, and changes in behavior. We use this information to provide the best care possible. We strive to understand a client’s health history and personal preferences, their current health and care needs, and what their future needs might be. We believe this is the best way to deliver meaningful care.

Couples Care: Keeping Relationships Whole

Couples Care: Keeping Relationships Whole
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Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn why couples care is an affordable solution for families.

In-Home Care Providers: Agency Vs. Independent Contractors

Agency Vs. Independent In-home Care Provider
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Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn the basics about Agency Vs. Independent Contractors In-Home Care Providers.

Need Help Selecting an In-Home Caregiver?

how to pick an in-home care provider
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Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn the basics before you choose!

Is it Time for In-Home Care

Is it Time for In-Home Care
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Need a to know when to use In-Home Care? Read our guide "Is it Time for In-Home Care"!

A Family Guide for In-Home Dementia Care

Family Guide for In-Home Dementia Care
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Need a guide for In-home dementia care? Read our family guide for In-home dementia care!

Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?

Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know what to do after coming home from rehab? Read our guide "Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?"!

The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients

The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know about the changing care needs of parkinson's disease ? Read our guide "The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients"!

Understanding Strokes and Recovery

Understanding Strokes and Recovery
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know about the warning signs of strokes? Read our guide "Understanding Strokes and Recovery"!

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121 Congressional Lane, Suite 201 Rockville, MD 20852
4000 Albemarle St., NW, Suite LL15 Washington, D.C., 20016
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