Geriatric Social Workers

Ask a counselor or teacher to arrange an information interview with a geriatric social worker. Read books and magazines about geriatric care. Volunteering is one of the best ways to explore your interest in geriatric social work. Check with nursing homes, senior care centers, or other organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, in your area for volunteer opportunities. Another way to gain experience is to get summer or part-time work at a local hospital, nursing home, or home health care agency. Home health care aides have the opportunity to work closely with the elderly and to get to know their needs and concerns. Also, as a college student enrolled in a social work program, you may have the opportunity to help a faculty member with a gerontological research project. Finally, visit http://careers.socialworkers.org for information on education and careers in social work.