While your doctor and nurse focus on your medical care, a social worker helps with the emotional, practical, and social challenges that can come with illness, injury, aging, or a major life change.
Assisted Living Alberta helps people live as safely and independently as possible, whether that is in their own home, in the community, or in a care home. Social workers are part of that support. They look after the whole person, not just a medical condition or physical need.
They help people of all ages, from babies and children to adults and seniors, and they support families and caregivers too. Whether someone is facing a serious illness, a crisis, the loss of a loved one, or a major change in their circumstances, a social worker helps them understand their options and navigate the challenges ahead.
There are more than 770 social workers at Assisted Living Alberta. You might meet one at home, in a seniors' or care home, in the community, or in a hospital, including in the emergency department. Their support is free and part of your care.
Social workers conduct their work in many different settings and contexts, including:
If you think you or a loved one could benefit from support, ask a member of your care team, such as your doctor, nurse, or case manager. They can help connect you with a social worker.
They provide counselling and support when you are dealing with illness, grief, end-of-life care, or a life-changing injury or diagnosis, and help you find the resources to adapt.
Coping with loss
A young father is diagnosed with a terminal illness. A social worker supports him and his wife as they prepare their children for what is coming, helps them talk through difficult decisions, and connects the family with grief supports so they do not face it alone.
They arrange home care and other services so you or your loved one can continue living at home safely for as long as possible.
Helping someone stay at home
An older woman is struggling to manage on her own and her family is worried. A social worker visits, learns what support she needs, and arranges home care and meal services so she can continue living in her own home.
When something unexpected happens, such as a loved one's condition suddenly becoming critical, a mental health crisis, or when it is no longer safe for someone to return home, social workers support patients and families, help them understand their options, and work with the care team to plan the next steps.
Support in the emergency department
A woman brings her husband to the emergency department after a fall. She has been caring for him at home and tells the nurse she is exhausted and cannot manage on her own anymore. A social worker takes the time to listen, then connects the couple with respite options and caregiver supports so they both get the help they need.
If you or someone you love may be at risk, including family violence, abuse, neglect, child protection concerns, or elder abuse, they help build a plan to keep everyone safe.
Keeping someone safe
A mother with young children confides to a hospital social worker that she is afraid to go home because of violence from her partner. The social worker helps her build a safety plan, connects her with emergency housing and financial supports, and makes sure she and her children have somewhere safe to go.
When someone is moving into supportive living or a care home, they help make the transition smoother and support the person and family through the change.
Planning a move into care
A patient is leaving the hospital but can no longer live safely at home. A social worker helps them explore their options, understand the costs, find financial supports, and make the move as smooth as possible.
Whether you are leaving the hospital or managing at home, they connect you with housing, financial support, mental health services, and other community resources, so you do not have to find them on your own.
Adjusting to a new life
A man in his thirties loses his leg in a workplace accident. A social worker helps him cope with the change, connects him with financial supports and rehabilitation services, and works with him as he adapts to a new way of living.
They help individuals and families understand their options and make informed decisions about care, treatment, living arrangements, and future planning.
Planning a move into care
A patient is leaving the hospital but can no longer live safely at home. A social worker helps them explore their options, understand the costs, find financial supports, and make the move as smooth as possible.
They advocate for you, making sure your voice, values, and wishes are heard and respected in decisions about your care, especially during difficult or vulnerable situations.
