Expanding the Role of Long-Term Care Social Workers: Assessment and Intervention Related to Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common and stigmatizing problem faced by long-term care (LTC) residents. It is typically addressed by medical professionals, with social work rarely involved. The purpose of this article is to illustrate how social workers can address the psychosocial implications of UI while working with residents and their family members as part of an interdisciplinary team. Using a case example and the NASW objectives for LTC, recommendations on how the role of the LTC social workers can be expanded to better address both the needs of residents, families, and the larger LTC system are provided.

Keywords:

• urinary incontinence
• long-term care
• social workers
• psychosocial

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Improving Continence & Pain Control in Long Term Care: The Multi-level Translation Research Application In Nursing homes intervention (MTRAIN) Award No 1 R01 NR009678-01A2.

Notes

¹This article uses the term long-term care, or LTC, which refers to nursing homes and rehabilitation centers but does not include assisted living facilities.