Throughout March Sienna celebrated and recognized Social Work Month. The field of social work is as diverse as the individuals that we serve in a variety of settings. From schools and hospitals to long-term care, mental health clinics, and the military, social workers provide advocacy and support for social issues in the community such as health care, housing, unemployment and addiction.
At Sienna, social workers are an important part of the interdisciplinary team that provides care and support to seniors living in our communities. Social workers help identify the unique needs of seniors and their families and come up with action plans to overcome
challenges they may be facing. We operate within an ethical decision making framework that considers relevant laws, policies, ethical standards and professional values relevant to each situation. At the core of each situation, is the preservation and protection of what is in the best interests of the individual. The field of social work is vital in long-term care, as individuals need advocacy and support to help them navigate the system. We view each person as an individual and help to ensure that when they come to long-term care they have the opportunity to have choices and that their experience is personalized.
Moving into long-term care is a life-changing event and one that isn’t necessarily discussed until it’s already happening. For me, it is very rewarding work, whether it’s helping with individual counselling and psychotherapy sessions, conducting resident and/or caregiver support groups, helping residents adapt to transitions and other challenges, conducting mental health assessments and much more. We get to know residents and truly partner with them so that our team can ensure their entire well-being is being supported.
Person-centered care is a best-practice approach to helping people reach their goals and have great quality of life. By putting the person first, we understand that the tasks of their care are not as important as the person who is receiving the care, and how they receive it. We are bringing respect and dignity to the members of our community during this stage of their lives.
Social workers also bring their own skill sets to the table. Having worked as a musician for most of my life, I began singing in my grandmother’s long-term care home. I appreciate being able to sit down at a piano, or pick up a guitar, and have a means in which to connect with the people that I support. I get to listen to their aches and pains, and perhaps my most favourite part, I get to listen to their stories.
I am proud to have been nominated for a BC Cares award this year and, and I am equally proud to be working for an organization that recognizes the importance of Social Work in long-term care.
I believe it takes a community to care for our seniors. How we provide that care is through a network of care professionals including doctors, nurses, care aides, recreation therapists, physiotherapists, and social workers who come together to accomplish one common goal, to cultivate happiness every day.
