In Conversation With Social Workers From Our Communities
This Social Work Appreciation month, Elite Home Health Care would like to show their gratitude and admiration for the tremendous work that goes into every day by featuring testimonials from our trusted community providers in the field of Social Work. Read on to learn about their incredible work.
Can you share a rewarding experience where your work as a social worker had a significant impact on a patient's life/well-being?
“I received a new member on my case who during our first encounter was discouraged because he wasn't linked to the appropriate care for his specific needs. Though he was discouraged, he remained optimistic about our program. Once completing our initial assessment, I was able to identify the level of care he was eligible for, and I was able to link him to a geriatric specialized physician, a home aid, and meals on Wheels. He began those services the following month after our assessment and was so happy to be receiving proper care.”
- Kaela B. | Buffalo, NY
“So far, the most rewarding experience I’ve had is reuniting a patient with his estranged daughter. Being present for their first reunion in almost 20 years was such a beautiful experience that I was so honored to be a part of. The patient passed away a few months after their reunion, and I was happy to bring both the patient and his daughter peace and closure.”
- Brianna B. | Rochester, NY
“One that sticks out is a patient who had been recently diagnosed with a pretty significant Neurological condition and assisting the family with following through on his wish to remain in the home. He needed to apply for Medicaid, there needed to be some home accommodations, family needed supports (there were young children involved), and patient needed home supports/aide services. It was caring for the whole family and pulling from resources all across the spectrum. Very rewarding to see it all come together, not that there weren’t hiccups.”
- Karen K. | Rochester, NY
As a social worker, managing a busy schedule is crucial. How do you prevent burnout and maintain your well-being while still making a positive impact on patients' lives?
"I think as social workers we need to find what works best for ourselves individually, and what might work one day may change the next. As social workers we are naturally emotionally invested in our members' lives, we do this while also trying to keep a boundary up to protect ourselves from taking on their experiences emotionally. This is usually where my burnout stems from. If one of my encounters is draining me emotionally, I have to walk away and take time during my day to recognize how it has affected me and practice deep breathing. For this reason, I am an advocate for social workers taking care of their mind and well-being. Personally, I cannot continue making a positive impact on my members if I do not take time to address my needs."
- Kaela B. | Buffalo, NY
"Preventing burnout is something that is talked about extensively in the field of social work, and it’s always easier said than done. I personally prevent burnout by exercising, playing with my kids, and spending time with my family. However, I am also blessed to work at a place where I have a great team and people I can vent to and bounce ideas around with. This team aspect is just as important to preventing burnout as my own self-care routine"
- Brianna B. | Rochester, NY
"It is not easy. I do my best to make sure that I am caring for myself- making sure I take time for a lunch break every day, speak with colleagues regularly to decompress, get outside for walks, etc."
- Karen K. | Rochester, NY
In improving the quality of life for those receiving home care, how do you believe social workers play a crucial role?
"Social workers fill a much-needed role that many others are not willing to take on, specifically with care-coordination. There are so many services that our clients are not aware of but can benefit from if the knowledge is passed on, and we do just that. We also provide a connection to our clients that they may not have in their lives. When family ties are strained or friendships are broken, social workers provide an honest and supportive role for our clients."
- Kaela B. | Buffalo, NY
"Social workers play a crucial role in improving the lives of home care recipients by being a resource to help them navigate and understand the many barriers they may be facing such as transportation, food insecurity, health literacy, etc."
- Brianna B. | Rochester, NY
"Social Workers are the first to identify further home care supports as being a needed resource. Often times, we are ensuring follow through and assisting with next steps."
- Karen K. | Rochester, NY
What inspires you in your role as a social worker? What do you like most about the work that you do?
"I love to be a resource for my members and assist them to navigate difficult systems. What inspires me most is when I see both my hard work and my members' hard work pay off."
- Kaela B. | Buffalo, NY
"I’m inspired in my role as a social worker because I feel like it’s what I was called to do. Even though it’s not a glamorous career and it comes with difficult days, I truly don’t know what else I’d be doing if I wasn’t a social worker. This “calling” is what inspires me to keep going."
- Brianna B. | Rochester, NY
"What inspires me the most is the resiliency of people. I like that my days are never the same. There is always a new resource to learn about and new people to assist. Never the same day twice."
- Karen K. | Rochester, NY
Thank you Kaela, Brianna, and Karen for participating in our interviews and helping us learn more about your expereinces in the feild of social work. Your work is invaluable and incredibely appreciated by us and those you have helped!
Written by: Leah Ganz
Leah Ganz, RN, BSN is the Director of Patient Services at Elite Home Health Care. She has an extensive background in homecare and previously worked in various specialties including pediatrics, pain managemnet and internal medicine. She oversees allpatient services across Elite's departments.