Cost-Effectiveness of Social Work Services in Aging

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines the impact of social work interventions in aging on quality of life (QOL) and cost outcomes in four categories (health, mental health, geriatric evaluation and management, and caregiving). Methods: Systematic review methods are employed. Databases were searched for articles published in English between 2004 and 2012 that report outcomes of social work interventions for aging individuals (age 50) and/or their caregivers/families. Of the 464 identified articles, 45 representing 42 studies met inclusion criteria. Results: Seventy-one percent of the studies report significant QOL outcomes. Twenty-one studies include cost outcomes, with 15 (71.4%) documenting significant cost savings. Twelve (80%) of the studies reporting significant cost outcomes examine social work interventions in health, including care coordination and end-of-life/palliative care. Conclusion: The findings suggest that social work interventions in aging have a positive and significant impact on QOL and cost outcomes. Applications for social work practice and research are discussed.

Social care for older people – a blind spot in the Norwegian care system

“…Simultaneously, social workers' potential and their contributions to improved care throughout the life course has been emphasized (Saxe Zerden et al, 2019). The positive effect of social work interventions for older people, both on quality of life and cost effectiveness of care, are well documented and, among others, summarized in a recent systematic review (Rizzo & Rowe, 2016). We therefore suggest aiming to develop care for older people through more integrated care services with professionally trained staff who reflect the need for expertise in health and social care.…”

Insights into the system of care of the elderly with mental disorders from the perspective of informal caregivers in Lithuania

“…Despite ongoing discussions in the scientific literature about the economic and financial variables involved in the health and social care provision of the elderly, scarce data is available to support specific conclusions about cost-effectiveness, though results are promising for cost containment, disease prevention, and health of population [9, 29–31]. A systematic review of respite for caregivers demonstrated that daycare is as costly as the usual care, but caregivers were satisfied and reported a positive effect on their mental or physical health [30].…”

“…The formal network of the health and social care systems is complicated and depends on the specific different legal frameworks, policies and separate financing [9]. Navigation through this network is challenging to the patients, their caregivers, and to health care professionals [10].…”

Can Social Work Education keep up to the Demands of Geriatric Social Work?

“…Third the John A Hartford Foundation's Geriatric Social Work Initiative in 2014 whose purpose was "to increase the competence of social workers to improve the care and well-being of older adults and their families (GSWI, 2014).Their initiatives used innovative strategies aimed at: a) educating social work students to specialize in geriatrics, b) recruiting students to specialize in geriatrics, and c) supporting academic social workers to conduct research and teach in geriatrics. 15 Finally here, the NASW recently developed an Aging Initiative to raise awareness about the breadth of geriatric social work practice, and increase the numbers of professionally trained and credentialed social workers who served older adults and their families. 16 It is frustrating to continue to see areas of practice that our profession has the expertise to be effective in, and make a difference in the lives of people daily.…”