March is National Social Work Month and we are elated to celebrate the great profession that is social work!

Social work is a practice-based profession. It is characterized by the promotion of social change, social development and the empowerment of people and communities.

With the rapid growth of the aged population, social work services in tandem with medical services like home health, work to help ensure the safety and well-being of our elderly population.

We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our social workers within our organization and those we partner with. We appreciate your hard work towards breaking barriers in our communities.

In honor of this month, we had an intriguing dialogue with a social worker that we work closely with, she would like to remain anonymous.

Q: How do you balance your work and personal life?
A: When I first began my career, I had a hard time finding a work-life balance– my clients came first and my needs always ended up second priority. I quickly realized that to be able to give my best, I would ultimately have to find balance. Now I prioritize my self care days and I always take a break to avoid burnout.

Q: What are some of your biggest accomplishments in your fieldwork?
A: In this field, accomplishments are more relative, or even subjective. It depends on the client, the issue and environment. But one thing that I can never forget is when a client who had been very unstable and unhappy, going from facility to facility, told me that this was his first year in his own home, since he got sick and he thanked me for this. Since I work closely with some home health care partners, I have been able to help get many people in their own homes. I am grateful for this experience.

It’s no secret that social work is hard work, but it is also imperative to maintaining our communities. There are many ways you can show your appreciation to the social workers in your community this month!

• Remember to say thank you to your social workers.
• Buy them a gift.
• Be patient with them.
• Trust them to do their job well.
• Write a note.
• Give them a break.

References:
https://socialworklicensemap.com/become-a-social-worker/what-is-social-work/#:~:text=Social%20work%20is%20a%20practice,and%20cultural%20institutions%20and%20interactions.
https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Month

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Lorraine Arkaifie, MSN, AGPCNP-BC

Founder & Director of Services at Adult Alternative Home Care

After completing nursing school in 2009, she worked as a Registered Nurse with the elderly in nursing homes, hospitals and in their homes. She went on to complete advance nurse training with a focus in Geriatrics. As she gained more clinical experience, she was encouraged to pursue her dreams of establishing a home care organization that will provide excellent services to members of her community. With over ten years clinical knowledge, she has perfected the skills to establish rapport and support of the frail and elderly we serve. She loves what she does and will love to help you or your loved ones get the care and support they need.

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