Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision regarding the care and support of an older adult.

During my internship as a Geriatric Social Worker, I encountered a difficult decision regarding the care and support of an older adult. The client, Mr. Johnson, had been living independently but was experiencing a decline in his physical and cognitive abilities. After conducting a comprehensive assessment, I realized that he needed more support and assistance in his daily activities. However, Mr. Johnson strongly resisted the idea of moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. It was a challenging situation as I had to balance his autonomy with ensuring his safety and well-being. After discussing the options with Mr. Johnson and his family, we came up with a plan to modify his home environment and arrange for in-home care services. It involved installing grab bars, removing tripping hazards, and hiring a caregiver to assist him with tasks. This decision allowed Mr. Johnson to retain his independence while also receiving the necessary care and support. Although it was a difficult decision to make, seeing Mr. Johnson thrive in his modified home environment reassured me that it was the right choice.

During my internship as a Geriatric Social Worker, I encountered a challenging situation that required a difficult decision regarding the care and support of an older adult named Mrs. Thompson. She had been living alone and was experiencing severe memory loss, making it unsafe for her to continue living independently. However, Mrs. Thompson was strongly opposed to moving to a memory care facility as she valued her independence. It was important for me to empathize with her concerns while also ensuring her safety. I engaged in active listening and had multiple discussions with Mrs. Thompson and her family to understand their perspectives and preferences. After conducting a thorough assessment, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team and developed a care plan that included home modifications such as installing safety alarms and providing support from a professional caregiver who specialized in memory care. This solution allowed Mrs. Thompson to maintain some independence while also ensuring her well-being. Throughout the process, I advocated for Mrs. Thompson's needs, ensuring her voice was heard and respected. This experience taught me the importance of balancing empathy and problem-solving skills in difficult decision-making situations.

I want to share a challenging decision I faced as a Geriatric Social Worker when providing care and support to an older adult named Mr. Davis. He had been living alone and was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Mr. Davis expressed his wish to die at home, surrounded by familiar surroundings and loved ones. However, his daughter, who was his primary caregiver, was overwhelmed and uncertain about providing the necessary care in a home setting. This situation required me to demonstrate exceptional empathy, problem-solving, and advocacy skills. Firstly, I spent time actively listening to Mr. Davis and his daughter, understanding their concerns and fears. I also consulted with a palliative care team to assess the feasibility of meeting Mr. Davis' wish while ensuring his comfort and safety. We collaborated on developing a comprehensive care plan that included training the daughter in providing specialized care, arranging respite care services to provide her with much-needed breaks, and establishing a support network comprising of community resources and volunteers who would assist the family during this difficult time. Additionally, I advocated for the implementation of a 24/7 nurse hotline to provide timely guidance and support. This decision allowed Mr. Davis to spend his final days in the comfort of his own home, while his daughter received the necessary assistance and support. Reflecting on this experience, I realize the importance of adaptability, compassion, and effective communication in navigating complex end-of-life care decisions.