Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

What should a social worker do to support an elderly client who wishes to live independently after a hospitalization, despite family concerns?

1. Decide for the client to move to assisted living

2. Create a safety plan while respecting the client's wishes

3. Ignore the client's opinion and advocate for the family

4. Conduct a competency hearing

The correct answer is: Create a safety plan while respecting the client's wishes

Creating a safety plan while respecting the client's wishes is the appropriate approach in this situation because it acknowledges the autonomy and preferences of the elderly client while also addressing the potential concerns about their safety. This strategy demonstrates a commitment to person-centered care, which is essential in social work practice. By collaborating with the client to create a safety plan, the social worker can engage the client in discussions about their needs and preferences for independent living. This might include assessing the home environment for hazards, discussing emergency contacts, and identifying resources that can support their independence, such as meal delivery services or personal emergency response systems. This collaborative approach helps empower the client and gives them a sense of control over their living situation. At the same time, by integrating the family concerns into the conversation, the social worker can mediate discussions about potential compromises or options that meet both the client's desire for independence and the family's worries about safety. This balance allows for effective advocacy while enhancing the client's sense of dignity and self-determination. In contrast, moving the client to assisted living without their consent may disregard their preferences, while ignoring the client’s opinion or solely advocating for the family can undermine the client's right to self-determination. Conducting a competency hearing would be an extreme measure and is