How a Social Worker Can Support Your Elderly Loved One in Minnesota
For many families, the idea of a social worker becoming involved with the care of a loved one can feel intimidating. This reaction is often rooted in misinformation about what social workers actually do — and what their role is not.
A social worker’s role is centered on assessment, guidance, and connecting individuals to community resources. They support individuals' well-being by helping them meet both basic and complex needs, particularly during times of transition or stress.
If you are caring for an aging loved one or experiencing caregiver burnout, you are not alone. Caregiving often comes with emotional, physical, and mental strain, and support is essential. After all, the Baby Boomer generation is aging, and according to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of caregivers assisting older adults grew by 32% between 2011 and 2022. This is where a social worker can make a meaningful difference — by listening, advocating, and helping you navigate available resources in your role as a caregiver.
At Joyful Companions, our Home Care Coordinators help provide resources to you and your loved one. By working alongside social workers and community partners, we help families feel supported, informed, and confident in their caregiving journey.
Let’s explore how social workers can help support your loved one and bring relief to caregivers like you.
What is a Geriatric Social Worker?
Aging is a complicated matter, and the role of a geriatric social worker is to help you navigate the twists and turns. They are well-informed about the local community that can benefit your loved one, and can help coordinate efforts to manage your loved one’s life. There is a rise in older adults with multiple chronic conditions, making regular care more difficult to navigate.
For example, if your loved one has a hospital stay, a social worker can help manage the transition back home or help arrange in-home care. Let’s look at some of the specific benefits a social worker can provide to your loved one and family.
Bridges the Gaps in Care
Between doctors, in-home care companions, patients, and families, there are many communication lines that can end up siloed. This makes it difficult to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding your loved one’s care.
A social worker can help bridge communication gaps between providers. They also support family members in having difficult conversations, with suggestions on how to talk about care services and ideas for supporting your loved one.
Some social workers are experienced with long-term care insurance companies and other programs you may be eligible for.
Offers Programs & Resources
Finding, contacting, and coordinating with aging care resources in your area can be time-consuming and difficult. Social workers have connections with these resources and programs and can help find the ones that would most benefit your loved one.
Social workers can also provide input about end-of-life care and hospice eligibility.
Care Transition After Hospitalization
The transition from a hospital bed to the home is a high-risk period for a patient. Without a proper plan, readmission is common. Social workers can facilitate a “warm handoff” by acting as the primary transition architect. This can involve helping with:
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Custom discharge planning by conducting a thorough assessment of the home before the patient leaves the hospital.
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Connecting with home health agencies and hospital staff, bridging the gap between nursing, physical therapy, and home health aids.
Emotional Support and Mental Health Advocacy
Physical health is deeply intertwined with emotional well-being. When independence is lost or a loved one passes away, social workers provide the clinical emotional support necessary to prevent a decline in health. Social workers can help connect patients with resources, such as non-medical companion support from Joyful Companions. They can also help with grief and bereavement counseling and end-of-life advocacy, for when things feel too heavy to carry alone.
Advocacy Against Ageism
Ageism in healthcare, which is the stereotyping or discrimination against individuals based on their age, is a dangerous barrier to quality care. Social workers are the primary advocates who challenge these biases to ensure patients receive aggressive, individualized treatment regardless of their birth year.
When to Contact a Social Worker for Elderly Care in Minnesota
You may be wondering when you should contact a social worker to help you with your loved one. While every situation is different, there are a number of questions you can ask yourself to determine if a social worker would add benefit to your loved one’s care.
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Are you struggling to keep up with your loved one’s care?
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Are you struggling to find affordable resources and programs to help?
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Are you overwhelmed trying to plan for a loved one’s chronic illness?
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Do you need assistance with end-of-life programs?
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Are you struggling emotionally with your loved one’s diagnosis or aging process?
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Do you need more support outside of the home?
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Does your loved one need help coordinating care when returning home from a hospital stay?
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Do you live far away from your loved one and are unsure of the resources in their community?
Answering “yes” to any of these questions means you could benefit from a social worker’s help. Never be afraid to ask for help.
What Are All the Options for Elderly Home Care in Minnesota?
When an older adult needs additional support in Minnesota, you have options. Social workers can help put you in touch with these resources if you need assistance. Some of these elderly home care options in Minnesota include:
What Are the Benefits of Non-Medical In-Home Companion Care?
Companion care that specializes in helping older adults and individuals living with a disability is a great way to help you and your family care for a loved one. Companion care organizations, such as Joyful Companions, provide essential support and companionship to people who need a little extra help. There are many benefits to companion care, including:
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Companionship and emotional support
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Enhanced quality of life
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Assistance with daily activities
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Respite care for family caregivers
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Peace of mind
Find a Home Care Coordinator From Joyful Companions
If you are looking for a social worker or home care coordinator in the Twin Cities area, Joyful Companions can help. We have several licensed social workers on staff who can help coordinate your loved one’s care and resources.
With help from Joyful Companions, you can ease the stress on your shoulders and help you find balance while caring for an aging loved one. At Joyful Companions, our social work services are unique among other home care agencies as we offer complimentary support from licensed social workers throughout receiving Joyful Companions caregiver services.
Call us today at 763-544-0401 for more information or request a free in-home consultation.