Social Work Interview Question:

What do you do if a resident's daughter comes into your office in tears. Her mother is quite ill and probably won't make it through the week?

Submitted by: Muhammad

► Invite her to sit down
► Shut the door to ensure privacy,
► Put phone on Do Not Disturb
► Start where the daughter is - if she needs to cry, let her cry; if she needs to talk, let her talk (about topics she feels necessary)
► Encourage her to share her feelings, concern, worries
► Do not offer false hope or meaningless comments like "I'm sure things will be just fine" or "At least she won't be suffering."
► If she is receptive, talk about ways staff focuses on her mom's comfort
► Determine if any action is necessary
► Ask if there is anything else she would like staff to do
► In some circumstances, suicide assessment might be necessary
Submitted by: Muhammad