What are the roles of social workers in the Community Mental Health Team for Older People (CMHTOP)?

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Social workers may be employed by social services in some countries (e.g., the UK) and by health services in others (e.g., State of Victoria in Australia). In both systems, social workers operate alongside other members of the CMHTOP within a collaborative and integrated model of care. Their role is to advise on housing, organization of community care packages for home-based care and “meals on wheels,” organization of day centers and respite care, provision of technological aids (including alarms and telecare), financial issues, benefits entitlement in countries with a welfare system, and family work. In the UK, social workers also act as gatekeepers for placement in care homes, although much of their work is designed to try and manage the older person at home for as long as possible. Social workers can play an important role in promoting interventions to tackle social isolation, which they perceive to be a major cause of depression in older adults.