Social work with multi-family groups: a partnership model for long term care settings

Residents in long term care facilities suffer from physical and cognitive impairments. As their conditions deteriorate, it is often difficult for families to maintain significant ties with them. Social work can help family members develop meaningful roles in the institution via multi-family groups, an approach which enhances the contributions families can make at a time when family ties and roles need to be redefined. The program has been replicated on all floors in one facility and can be adapted to other settings.