Social workers play a vital role at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES), and the agency hosted a special recognition lunch to celebrate those contributions earlier this month.
The lunch was held to mark National Social Work Month, which promotes awareness and recognition of the many contributions social workers bring to society.
In the spirit of National Social Work Month, here are six programs where social workers assist older adults and people with disabilities at SCES:
Elder Care Advice Social workers provide information and guidance for older adults, to help identify services that will help maximize independence and quality of life. This is free and open to residents of Cambridge and Somerville 60 and older.
Family Caregiver Support Program Social workers offer caregivers information about the services available to them and to the person they care for. These specialists also provide educational programs and short-term individual or family consultation. This is free and open to residents of Cambridge and Somerville and nonresident caregivers.
Adult Family Care Social workers collaborate with nurses to support caregivers who provide in-home assistance with daily activities for people who aren’t able to live alone. Social workers also provide ongoing trainings on topics that affect caregivers. The program is free and open to people ages 16 and older who are MassHealth-eligible and have a chronic medical or psychiatric diagnosis requiring assistance with at least one activity of daily living. Serves Greater Boston, North Shore and Merrimack Valley.
Protective Services Most case managers on this team are social workers. They investigate allegations of abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect of residents of Cambridge and Somerville age 60 and over. They also provide on-going casework and coordinate service plans designed to alleviate risk or abuse. Free and open to residents of Cambridge and Somerville 60 and older.
Community Living Options Social workers provide assistance with managing chronic illnesses and medical appointments, applying for public benefits, identifying housing options, coordinating care at home, and much more. This is a private pay program that serves Greater Boston and North Shore.
Connect Social workers support individuals who encounter access barriers to mental health care. They provide clinical case management, connect individuals to mental health services and community services, and provide advocacy. Free and open to residents of Cambridge and Somerville.
National Social Work Month is promoted by the National Association of Social Workers.
