How to Find a Social Worker for Elderly Family Members

If you’re wondering how to find a social worker for elderly family members, you’ve come to the right place! No matter what you’re looking for help with, be it housing, food security, healthcare, or something else, it’s likely that there is a social worker who can help you. Read on for more information about how to find a social worker who can help you or your family member.

Agencies on Aging

In most cities and towns around the country, there are organizations that exist specifically to help older adults. What the organization is called might vary based on where you live, but they are typically referred to as “older adult centers”, “agencies on aging”, or “senior centers”. 

It is possible that you have a senior center or older adult center in your area that serves as both a social gathering place for seniors, and a place to connect with resources with the help of a social worker. Many senior centers have social workers on staff who can help older adults and their families apply for resources like Medicare and SNAP, or to find affordable senior housing. 

It is also likely that you can connect with a social worker or caseworker online or over the phone through your local agency on aging. It is possible that your locality’s agency is called something else, like “office for the aging”. You should be able to find your local agency by searching online for “agency on aging + your state”.

This is an example of such an agency in New York.  

Hospitals and Medical Facilities

When an older adult requires help navigating the medical system, a social worker can be tremendously helpful. Most hospitals, and some other medical facilities like dialysis centers offer the help of social workers to their patients. 

Medical social workers can offer emotional support for seniors and their families during hospitalizations or an illness. Medical social workers are also there to help when there are obstacles in the way of a senior patient’s medical care, such as access to food, housing, or health insurance. Medical social workers are knowledgeable about the public benefits available to patients, as well as the services offered by the medical facility or hospital. 

Adult Protective Services

Most of us have heard of Child Protective Services, but there is a lesser known agency called Adult Protective Services which exists to protect adults who are physically or mentally impaired.

Unfortunately, sometimes elderly adults are subject to abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. When this occurs, social workers and/or caseworkers may be able to intervene. Adult Protective Services is also there to help adults who have a physical or mental disability. 

If you know an older adult who you believe is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation, you can contact your local Adult Protective Services agency, and a social worker will investigate the situation to determine whether harm is being done. If they determine that the adult is in danger of harm, then they will help find a way to get the adult to a safe place and protect their financial interests. 

Other Services

Elderly adults are also eligible for public benefits like Medicare and Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF. When someone applies for any of these government benefits, they will be assigned a caseworker and/or social worker who can help them navigate the system. 

Social workers may also be automatically assigned when a senior applies for housing assistance like Section 8 or public housing. 

No matter what kind of service you are looking for, either for yourself or an older family member, social workers are ready and able to help. 

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Catherine Hall

Catherine Hall, LMSW is a therapist at a small group practice in New York City. She earned her master of social work degree at New York University.