Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor:
More than 77 million Americans are considered part of the baby boom generation. Adults
born between 1946 and 1964 have the distinction of being the largest generation,
representing 27% of the population. With the aging of baby boomers and
the lengthening of life spans, both the number and proportion of older people
is rapidly increasing.
Social workers understand that the best elder care requires a broad view of
social, environmental, psychological, economic and health care options. It
is the ability to see the intersection of these elements that allow social
workers to connect clients with the best resources for them – the best
resources to help them along life’s journeys.
March is National Social Work Month and the perfect opportunity to highlight
the essential role that social workers play in working with all vulnerable
populations, especially with older people. Social workers have the specialized
knowledge and expertise to address issues facing older Americans, including
providing individual and family counseling, psychosocial assessment and coordinating
care.
This year’s Social Work Month theme – Life’s Journey: Help
Starts Here – focuses on how social workers help all people at every
stage of life, while promoting dignity for everyone, especially the most vulnerable
among us.
Social workers strive to promote independence, autonomy and dignity for their
all of their clients. They offer families ways to deal effectively with
long-term care responsibilities and work through hospitals, nursing homes,
hospices, independent and assisted-living facilities, public agencies and even
in client homes.
Social Work Month also provides an opportunity for social workers to highlight
the essential role they play in alleviating some of America’s most difficult
problems. Through education, training and dedication, social workers
provide assistance in many different practice areas including health, mental
health, child welfare, end of life, adolescent health, HIV/AIDS and family
violence.
Information about seniors and aging and the role of social work in all areas
of practice can be found at www.HelpStartsHere.org.
Signed,
[Name]
[Title]
[Chapter/Organization Name]
[Phone Number]
[E-mail address]
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