In long-term care, Social Workers play an essential role in supporting residents, families and care teams. They connect residents and families to resources, provide emotional and practical support, and advocate for residents’ rights. From pre-admission questions to daily life in the home, Social Workers help residents and their loved ones navigate complex systems and new environments while keeping dignity, autonomy and quality of life at the centre of care.
Serving as a trusted point of contact, Social Workers help make long-term care feel less overwhelming – not just as a place where care is provided, but as a place people can be proud to call home.
Support for residents and families across the care journey
Social Workers support residents and families through the entire care journey – from the first conversations about admission, to settling into daily life in the home, and through periods of changes in health, grief and end-of-life care. By building trusted relationships early, Social Workers help families navigate uncertainty, set realistic expectations and feel supported over time.
“People sometimes describe Social Workers as little libraries of information” says Kirsten, Social Worker at Extendicare Mississauga. “We are a primary resource point, providing support and connecting families and residents to external resources and teaching them how the home operates.”
Their role bridges emotional, practical and system-level support, ensuring residents and families feel empowered as they navigate long-term care.
Advocacy, resources and empowerment
Social Workers in long-term care are experts at advocating for residents and supporting their independence. They guide applications for income support, government benefits and health programs, helping residents access services beyond what is provided in the home.
“Families often come to me when they are feeling overwhelmed by financial systems or paperwork,” says Susan, Social Worker at Extendicare Mayerthorpe. “It is my job to provide them with clear, consistent information, reassurance and to be a compassionate point of contact for them.”
Easing the transition to long-term care
For many residents and families, the move to long-term care is a significant transition, and Social Workers play a key role in helping ease the adjustment.
They offer supportive counselling, check in regularly and help residents and families cope with change, grief, loss, guilt, fear and uncertainty. Susan prioritizes being a gentle landing spot for new residents and their families. “Sometimes, the most important way for me to help is just being a friendly face. Someone who checks in regularly, and someone they know.”
Living in long‑term care brings a profound shift in daily routines, physical surroundings, and social relationships. Residents arrive with diverse life histories and a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities that continue to change over time, creating a dynamic and fluid community environment.
Social Workers play a key role in helping residents and team members navigate interpersonal tensions, adapt to changing group dynamics, and address the social and emotional challenges that naturally arise in congregate living.
Building trust
For families new to long-term care, trust takes time to build. Confidence in the care their loved ones receive is built through clear, regular communication, transparency and ongoing support.
“Families entering the long-term care system can be fearful,” says Kirsten reflecting on her experience supporting families who may have been primary caregivers for their loved ones for many years.
Social Workers help families understand what they can expect, acknowledging the complex emotions that often come with transitioning a loved one into a care home. Families need to be assured that they feel heard throughout their loved one’s time in the home. By being patient, open, and available, Social Workers help families feel supported and at ease.
Connectors within the care team
Social workers serve as connectors and advocates within the interdisciplinary care team at each Extendicare long-term care home. They collaborate closely with nursing, dietary, recreation and behavioural support teams, while also linking residents and their loved ones to community resources available outside the home.
“Everybody has a different role to play,” says Susan. That’s what makes social work interesting.” Through their work, Social Workers ensure that each person’s voice is heard and respected. They strengthen individual well being and enrich the entire long-term care home community, fostering trust, connection and a sense of belonging