The Role of Social Workers in Cognitive Care for Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Social workers are integral to cognitive care for older adults, yet their roles across medical and long-term care settings remain underexamined. This scoping review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework to synthesize literature on social workers' involvement in cognitive care. Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria. Social workers were involved in cognitive screening, discharge planning, advocacy, education, psychosocial support, caregiver support, and care coordination. Findings identified critical gaps in formal training, standardized assessment practices, and role clarity, underscoring the need for strengthened gerontological social work education, interprofessional collaboration, and cognitively informed care practices across settings.