By: Alma Sanchez

I interviewed Cindy Daniel BSW Case Manager with Aging and Disability Resources Center

In home care services for elderly and disabled adults assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, personal hygiene, eating, transferring, housekeeping, and transportation. Information and Referral Assistance accessing community resources such as support groups, senior nutrition, transportation, legal services, transportation home care services, and housekeeping Nurse Home visits Durable medical equipment Family Caregiver Support support for unpaid family caregiver. Advocacy Respite Care

To promote, plan, develop and provide long-term care services responsive to the needs of client. Assess for eligibility Authorize caregiver payments Assist clients implement care plan Assist client in problem solving Provide durable medical equipment Advocacy Communicate with client primary care physician Referral to additional community resources

 Advocating  Traveling  Assisting clients to remain independent  Assist clients to stay safe  Client interaction

Managing mental health client because it is very draining and challenging to assist clients with mental illnesses specially Dementia and Alzheimer's. Death In this profession I have found myself close to death and it is emotionally draining to see my clients die. Dealing with Elder Abuse Dealing with elder abuse and neglect becomes a challenge as family issues arise and you have to be very tactful when dealing ethic customs while ensuring clients safety.

No as I believe that Washington State provides clients with choices and option that ensure their wellbeing. In addition clients are in charge of their own plan of care and participate actively in its development.

Elder abuse, like other types of domestic violence, is vey complicated. It is common to find a combination of psychological, social, and economic factors, along with the mental and physical health of the victim and the abuser, contribute to the occurrence of elder maltreatment. Caregiver stress also plays a major roll in elder abuse case especially when senior lives with caregiver. Cycle of violence Isolation Personal problems of the abuser

I believe education and awareness about our growing Senior citizen community and their needs is the key to intervention. Acknowledging clients individual needs, problems, and issues. In order to provide adequate and appropriate services. Give client information in order to promote acceptance of change in order to ensure seniors well-being and independence.

Be an advocate Good communication between client, case manager, and family Ability to identify potential problems Intervention from family, friends, and neighbors Report any Suspicion of potential abuse Educate yourself on senior services and share your knowledge with others Prevent isolation by staying as active as possible

Be very aware of mandatory reporting laws and report any suspicion of abuse Remembering that it is not up to you to investigate Remembering that elder abuse comes in many forms and some are difficult to recognize such as Self-neglect because you have to always respect clients right but at the same time you have to ensure their safety and well-being. Social workers need to be aware of all types of abuse

The United States is undergoing a demographic transformation. By 2030 the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to double, rising to 70 million. This growing population of older adults will create an unprecedented demand on aging related programs, policies and services. NASW has established an Aging initiative to raise awareness about the breadth of geriatric social work practice, and increase the number of professionally trained and credentialed social workers who serve older adults and their families

To ensure seniors have access to resources that will meet their most basic needs regardless of their ethic, cultural, social, sexual, economic and spiritual diversities that exist among today’s seniors.