Families and the nursing home social worker

This article focuses on ways in which the changing American family can become a positive part of the life of the nursing home resident through social work intervention. The role of the social worker in the nursing home as it relates to families is a complicated one that has evolved over time and may vary from one nursing home to another. This article provides examples of social work interventions currently in use. Family resources may be tapped to enrich the lives of residents. This is particularly true at the time of admission when the aged person and his family are facing the crisis of institutionalization. Finally relationships can be sustained after the older person has entered a nursing home, and the social worker can facilitate a positive interaction among family members and staff.