Social Work Practice in Nursing Homes: Creativity, Leadership, and Program Development

A social worker's place within the hierarchy of a nursing home is not always clear, yet the responsibilities are tremendous. Using her almost 20 years of experience as a social worker, Julie Sahlins helps readers narrow the gap between academic training and real-world practice.

Social Work Practice in Nursing Homes presents a practical paradigm with a strong focus on creative use of the professional self, program development, and collaboration to meet the needs of a population that is often vulnerable, frail and isolated. Sahlins combines a solid analysis of systemic issues in this complex setting, an understanding of the developmental needs of clients, and clear, logical advice that makes it possible to practice transformative social work. Here, finally, are answers to the constraints placed on social workers in nursing homes-a new way of doing old business.

Julie Sahlins (MSW, Simmons College) has worked primarily with the elderly in a variety of nursing home settings. She is currently employed as clinical social worker at the Chelsea Soldiers' Home. Julie enjoys volunteering in the community and has recently returned to her art. She lives in Newton, Massachusetts with her two feline assistants.