The need for peer support workers in gerontology and social work
The need for peer support workers in gerontology and social work

Summary/Abstract: Elderly care is not a new topic of debate and has been the subject of numerous studies, both in the medical field and in sociology and social work. This is due to a continuous desire to find new ways to offer the care and attention that beneficiaries need, tailored to their specific situation. Holistic care, which considers both the patientʹs medical needs and their spiritual, emotional, social, and recreational needs, is essential for improving quality of life and personal development. The purpose of this research is to study the need for the involvement of peer support workers within the multidisciplinary team providing care for elderly people. Given the novelty of this activity within the field of gerontology, the approach to the topic will be predominantly theoretical. This article primarily focuses on identifying the gaps in care that are not currently addressed by traditional health care professionals, with a particular emphasis on the quality of life of the elderly and their families. We conclude that both patients and their families would benefit from the work of peer support workers, who could serve as a bridge between medical specialists and the patientʹs family. By partially relieving the burden of care from the family and facilitating holistic care within the elderʹs living environment, peer support workers can significantly improve the overall well-being of both the patient and their care givers.

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