National Association of Social Workers

Helping Elderly Face Loss of Independence

Social Workers Ease Transitions, Restore Sense of Control

"The potential risk of losing one's independence can be terrifying."

By Sheryl Fred, News Staff

Illustration: John Michael Yanson

Doing the crossword puzzle. Driving to the grocery store. Living in one's own home. However one defines it, the notion of being independent is central to a sense of control and self-esteem. As people age, the idea that physical and sensory limitations, chronic illness or dementia could alter the way they do things — or make it impossible to do them at all — can be truly alarming.

"The potential risk of losing one's independence can be terrifying," said NASW Senior Policy Associate Lisa Yagoda.

While nothing can fully eradicate the fear and anguish that come with impending losses of independence, social workers — with a focus on empowerment and building on clients' strengths — are often uniquely qualified to help older adults address these issues.

"Professional social workers — no matter what age group they're dealing with — strive to promote independence in their clients as much as possible," Yagoda said.

For most geriatric social workers, balancing their clients' need for safety with their desire for independence, using community resources to help clients remain more self-sufficient, easing transitions to new ways of living and new environments and gauging how clients are dealing with these changes are all in a day's work.

The process of losing one's independence is a nuanced and oftentimes unpredictable path. This story focuses on just three stages of losing independence and how some NASW members are making every effort to keep their clients in control along the way.

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From November 2004 NASW News. © 2004 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.