The role of social workers in long-term care for older adults: A mixed-methods systematic review in Europe and North America from 2000 to 2022

Abstract

Demographic ageing implies increased care needs, in which social workers play a key role. However, knowledge about their practice is limited and fragmented. This mixed-methods systematic review integrates evidence from 19 studies published between 2000 and 2022 on the roles of long-term care social workers in Europe and North America. The findings reveal that service and case management, direct support, personalisation of care and community engagement are leading roles. Limitations with implications for practice are also detected, such as lack of specialisation, paperwork burden, and work overload, which should be overcome to maximise social work’s contribution to care quality.