Bethesda social workers serve essential role in residents’ well-being

Bethesda social workers serve an essential role in the well-being of the residents and tenants who call Bethesda home.

Thus, it’s fitting that the theme for National Social Work Month in March 2021 is, “Social Workers are Essential.”

All Bethesda team members have been considered essential employees throughout the coronavirus pandemic because all play an essential role in the care of or service to those at Bethesda. And every day, Bethesda social workers are on the frontlines caring for and addressing the needs and concerns of residents and tenants, as well as those of residents’ and tenants’ families.

Celebrated each March, National Professional Social Work Month is an opportunity to turn the spotlight on the profession, as well as highlight and thank social workers for the important contributions they make to society and their workplace, including Bethesda.

As practitioners, social workers are trained and licensed to help people address personal and systemic barriers to optimal living. They are employed to effect positive change with individuals, families, and entire communities, according to the National Association of Social Workers.

The role of the social worker in a long-term care facility is to enable each individual to function at the highest possible level of social and emotional wellness.

At Bethesda, social service team members are available to assist with medically related social and emotional needs. They help each resident who moves into a Bethesda facility make the transition from a previous living environment to life at Bethesda, while meeting the social, emotional and comfort needs of that resident.

Once a resident is established at Bethesda, a social worker ensures the resident’s continuing needs are met and that the person is given the opportunity to participate in planning for continued care in the facility, a transfer, or discharge back into the community.

Although the resident is the main focus of the social worker, much of the social worker’s time might be spent working with the resident’s family, to address questions and concerns regarding services for their loved one, whether it’s short-term rehabilitation, or ongoing services in long-term care.

Social workers address challenging issues facing individuals and their families, and social workers forge solutions that help people reach their full potential. Bethesda recognizes the contributions of social workers, who play an essential role in helping Bethesda residents and tenants live life to the fullest.

During Social Work Month, Bethesda thanks its social workers who work each day to best serve the individual needs of those in their assigned area of care. Bethesda is blessed to have the social services department of Kelly Chester, social services director, who works with those in Bethesda’s memory care unit; Bridget Sylte, Club Suites and west; Kaitlyn Lawler, first floor and west; Gwenn Garcia, Club Suites; Karen Laurence, second floor; and Leia Klinghagen, East.

For more information or to talk with a Bethesda social worker, call 320-214-5612.

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