The critical role of the specialized social worker as part of ED/hospital-based elder mistreatment response teams

The emergency department and hospital provide a unique and important opportunity to identify elder mistreatment and offer intervention. To help manage these complex cases, multidisciplinary response teams have been launched. In developing these teams, it quickly became clear that social workers play a critical role in responding to elder mistreatment. Their unique skillset allows them to establish close connections with community resources, collaborate with various hospital stakeholders, support patients/families/caregivers through challenging situations, navigate the legal and protective systems, and balance patient safety and quality of life in disposition decision-making. The role of the social worker on these multi-faceted teams includes conducting a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, helping to develop a safe discharge plan, and making appropriate referrals, among other responsibilities. Any institution considering developing a multi-disciplinary program should recognize the critical importance of social work.