Aging: Case Study Statement of Concern

Social Worker Dave Harris is employed as a care manager by the local Area Agency on
Aging (AAA) . Mr. Harris offers comprehensive care management services to elders
in the community through visitation, assessment and resource referral.

Mr. Harris’s most recent case involves an older woman who is struggling to safely
maintain her own home, complete grocery shopping and other errands, prepare meals
and travel to medical appointments. These tasks have become more difficult for the
client following a recent fall and hip replacement. Due to the recent loss of independence
and opportunities for social engagement, the woman is increasingly depressed.
This case was referred to Mr. Harris after the client’s distraught daughter-in-law called
the AAA helpline. The woman's son and daughter-in-law live several hours away,
work full time and are raising their own children making it difficult for them to visit and
offer more substantial caregiving support.

Mr. Harris recognizes that many of his clients, and their caregivers, cope with similar
sets of problems related to housing, nutrition, healthcare and travel. To better manage
his cases and advocate for more comprehensive programming designed to address these
unmet needs, Mr. Harris seeks out available resources and evidence-based practice
methods on the Internet.

[Source: Stacy J. Sanders, MSW Candidate, December 2007, McGregor Geriatric
Fellow].