Social network assessment: a critical component in case management for functionally impaired older persons

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Social Work
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Functionally impaired elderly persons often rely on a mix of formal and informal care.
• Effective long-term care planning requires integrating the client's social network.
• Formal services should supplement, not supplant, existing social support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a framework for case managers to assess social network dynamics.
• To guide the development of service strategies that leverage social networks.
• To enhance the integration of informal care within formal long-term care plans.

Main Methods:

• Development of a framework identifying variables in older person-social network relationships.
• Assessment of relationship dynamics and network functioning.
• Strategy formulation for maximizing network support.

Main Results:

• Identified key variables influencing the dynamics between older adults and their social networks.
• Provided a structured approach for case managers to evaluate social support.
• Demonstrated how to develop service strategies that effectively utilize social networks.

Conclusions:

• A systematic framework can aid case managers in utilizing social networks for elderly care.
• Integrating social networks enhances the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of long-term care plans.
• Maximizing informal support optimizes care for functionally impaired older adults.