Lifespan planning involves anticipating and planning for one’s future needs. These may be health needs, financial needs, or retirement needs for you and your family. There are many highly trained social workers available who can provide you with valuable services and who can recommend relevant resources.
Young Adults
Many young adults in their 20s are in college or are just starting out in the workplace. Social workers are available to give them career counseling and help them focus on achievable goals.
Millions of young adults in their 30s and are focusing on making a home and raising a family. Social workers can offering a variety of counseling to young families such as referring them to financial counselors and attorneys who can help them buy a house and save for their retirement. They can help young families stay healthy by counseling them on diet and exercise. They can also assist children who are having trouble in school.
Midlife Adults
Many adults in their 40s and 50s have concerns for their retirement years and those of their parents. A person at this life stage may be thinking of early retirement or changing careers. Social workers are an excellent resource for career and retirement information.
Some adults in this age range become caretakers for their parents or other elderly relatives. At this stage their are some legal considerations that can be discussed with a social worker such as the need for parents to have a will, a durable power or attorney, a trust, or joint ownership and tenancy. This is also a time to discuss advance directives. Does the person being care for want to be resuscitated if gravely ill for example. This information should be put in writing and a social worker can help you with this.
Seniors
Social workers can provide counseling to seniors and their loved ones to help them stay active and in good health. Social workers also help seniors with mental health issues.
Social workers also can teach older people how to relieve stress, and avoid anxiety and depression. They can help seniors with things like preparing for doctor’s appointment; find care options like assisted living facilities; navigate the Medicare system and deal with insurance issues, and; find legal or financial assistance.
Social workers can help you at any stage of the lifespan continuum.