I have been a professional social worker for over 15 years. I entered the field because I wanted to work in a helping profession. I was not sure exactly how, but I loved the field of social work because it is so varied. It provides an educational foundation to work with individuals and communities in a way to foster change and provide support where needed.
March is recognized as National Social Work month. It was first organized in March 1963 by the National Association of Social Workers as a way to encourage public support for the profession. As a social worker, I love to recognize this month and all my colleagues for the amazing work they do.
As part of my training, I had internships to practice the work in the field. It was during this time that I truly felt I had found my niche in the field – working with older adults. I got to come into someone’s life in later years and could support them in this special chapter. I have helped people who are caring for their loved ones, supported people as they grew frail, and provided some handholding with a little hope for those who needed it the most.
I was recently reminded about the powerful work that so many social workers do by a colleague who shared some of her experiences over her career. She supported a family through the adoption process, she placed a suicidal person into safe and supportive psychiatric care, and comforted a hospice patient as they took their last breath.
Social workers are all around us, in hospitals, community-based organizations, schools, mental health programs and Veteran’s centers. The theme of National Social Work Month this year is Empowering Social Workers. By the year 2030 it is expected there will be more than 782,000 social workers in the United States. It is one of the fastest growing professions and it is clearly needed.
At Senior Concerns I am fortunate to work with Hannah Hoffman. Hannah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who runs our Caregiver Resource Center. She facilitates support groups for family caregivers, offers care consultations, and provides education and resources to people caring for an aging loved one.
Those who work with Hannah know that she will be your best advocate, supporter, and guide in a time when you need it most. While I work in this profession too, when I was struggling with my own caregiving situation with my father, I went to Hannah to ask for help. I needed an outside perspective because I was too emotionally involved in the situation. Hannah reminded me that we cannot always keep our loved ones safe, but we can do what we can to keep them safer.
Remember that social workers are often available to help you through difficult times. We all need to reach out for help sometimes.
If you know a social worker, or have been fortunate enough to have one support you along the way, take this month as a reminder to say thank you for all they do.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
