Geriatric Social Worker Career Profiles

Geriatric social workers are tasked with the important responsibility of helping elderly individuals accept and cope with all the changes they may be experiencing as they get older. This can include medical, mental health, social, and financial issues. Everyone has a unique response to the reality of growing older, and not all elderly patients will face the same problems. As a result, geriatric social workers must be skilled at understanding and addressing the various circumstances and needs of each patient.

Working with elderly patients can take place in several different settings. Geriatric social workers may be employed in nursing homes, retirement homes, hospitals, senior citizens centers, community health facilities, or mental health clinics. Once the social worker has access to the patients, assessment can then be completed. Elderly patients may be interviewed to find out what issues they are facing and what they would like to see happen. Additionally, family members and other caregivers are often interviewed to get a comprehensive view of the situation.

In order to pursue a career as a geriatric social worker, a bachelor’s degree in gerontology, social work, or nursing is required. A master’s degree in social work is typically necessary as well, since the majority of states mandate that geriatric social workers be licensed. As the average life expectancy of American individuals continues to rise, the number of elderly patients is increasing as well. This is creating job security and a demand for geriatric social workers in today’s society.

Check out the career profiles below to get a real world perspective from actual geriatric social workers. By conducting one-on-one interviews, we give you the inside scoop on salaries, career paths, educational backgrounds, pros and cons of working in the field, and more.