The role of the residential social worker in the rehabilitation process of elderly patients

Abstract

The purpose of my Dissertation was to identify what type of role a social worker has when working with elderly patients in a rehabilitation setting. The title of my Dissertation is: "The Role of the Residential Social Worker in the Rehabilitation Process of Elderly Patients". By 'Residential Social Worker' I mean the social worker who is stationed at the hospital (in this case Zammit-Clapp Hospital). I started by giving an outline of aspects of ageing: physiological changes place and diseases that are common among the medical that take the elderly population. Then, I dealt with the meaning of rehabilitation: giving a definition and describing its aims and goals, and what is involved in the process. I focused on the actual role of the social worker, before, during and after the rehabilitation programme. I also described the importance and process of assessing the potential patients; showing how vital it is for the success of the treatment programme. Everything regarding rehabilitation is multidisciplinary in nature all therapists form part of a team. and the social worker has to work hand in hand with the other members. Assessment itself is multidisciplinary and every member has to consult the others so that the patient is given the most fruitful treatment. Then. I went on to describe the types of cases I dealt with in my study; and also what the social worker at Zammit-Clapp Hospital regards as her role in the field of rehabilitation. I gave a description of the type of treatment the patients receive individually. This I did by observing some rehabilitation sessions being carried out at the hospital. I also spoke to the relative of the patients I interviewed and asked their view of the particular member of their family undergoing hospitalisation. Finally, I dealt with the rehabilitation process as it continues when the patient is discharged and sent back home. I described the relatives' role as carers; and also what help can be given by friends and neighbours. Briefly I discussed the role and function of old people's clubs, which, although are not so common in Malta, I believe have a very important role to play.