Question

A social worker in private practice meets with a 90-year-old man who recently lost his wife of 60 years. The client reports that since his wife passed away, he has been feeling irritated, does not have much energy, and has trouble falling asleep. A hospital social worker met with the client and conducted a clinical evaluation for depression. What should the social worker do FIRST?

A. Demonstrate acceptance of the client's feelings of loss.
B. Provide psychoeducation about depression.
C. Complete a mental status examination.
D. Contact the hospital social worker for additional information.

Answer 1

The social worker should first demonstrate acceptance of the client's feelings of loss to build trust and provide support, which is essential for facilitating the client's navigation through grief and potential depression.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, the social worker should prioritize building a rapport and providing a supportive environment for the client who is experiencing grief. Therefore, the correct first action would be to demonstrate acceptance of the client's feelings of loss. This approach aligns with recognizing the stages of grief and providing emotional support. By validating the client's feelings, the social worker can establish trust, which is essential for effective therapy sessions that may involve dealing with depression symptoms and navigating through Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance).

While obtaining information from the hospital social worker, completing a mental status examination, and providing psychoeducation about depression are important steps, they can occur after the initial acceptance and support are established. It is crucial to approach the client's situation with empathy, considering the psychological changes associated with aging and bereavement. The social worker's understanding of the client's experience will facilitate personalized and compassionate care, which is essential when working with elderly clients who have lost a significant other.