Describe a time when you had to address a crisis situation involving an older adult. How did you handle it?

I had a situation where I had to address a crisis involving an older adult. It was when I was working as a social worker at a nursing home. One day, an elderly resident, Mrs. Johnson, fell and fractured her hip. I immediately responded by calling for medical assistance and ensuring her safety. I stayed with her, reassured her, and provided emotional support until the ambulance arrived. Afterward, I coordinated with the nursing staff and the resident's family to ensure she received the necessary medical attention and rehabilitation. I also advocated for Mrs. Johnson's needs within the healthcare system, ensuring she received appropriate pain management and follow-up care. Throughout the process, I maintained open and regular communication with Mrs. Johnson and her family, keeping them informed of her progress and addressing any concerns they had. In the end, Mrs. Johnson made a successful recovery, and the crisis situation was effectively addressed.

One instance where I had to address a crisis involving an older adult was during my internship at an assisted living facility. Mr. Thompson, a resident with dementia, became aggressive and agitated, posing a safety risk to himself and others. In response, I immediately implemented de-escalation techniques, using a calm and reassuring approach to mitigate the situation. I actively listened to Mr. Thompson's concerns and validated his emotions, showing empathy and understanding. To ensure his safety, I collaborated with the facility's staff members, coordinating a plan to provide one-on-one supervision and implementing additional sensory stimulation strategies. I also communicated with Mr. Thompson's family, keeping them informed about the situation and involving them in decision-making. Through continuous problem-solving efforts and regular communication with the multidisciplinary team, we successfully managed the crisis, ensuring the well-being of Mr. Thompson and maintaining a safe environment for all residents.

During my previous role as a geriatric social worker at a community center, I encountered a crisis situation involving an older adult named Mrs. Rodriguez. She was at risk of eviction due to unpaid rent and was facing homelessness. Recognizing the urgency, I assessed Mrs. Rodriguez's situation comprehensively, considering her financial, health, and social circumstances. I quickly coordinated with local housing assistance programs, connecting her with emergency funds and rental assistance options. Since Mrs. Rodriguez had limited English proficiency, I utilized my bilingual skills to communicate and advocate for her rights within the housing system. I worked closely with legal aid organizations to prevent her eviction, reviewing her lease agreement and identifying potential violations. Additionally, I collaborated with healthcare professionals to address her health needs, ensuring she received necessary medical care and medication management. Through extensive communication with Mrs. Rodriguez, her family, and community partners, I supported her emotional well-being and connected her with additional social support services, such as food pantries and transportation. As a result of our efforts, Mrs. Rodriguez regained housing stability, enabling her to fully focus on improving her overall quality of life.