The primary focus of this research study is to investigate the role of social services (SS) in care transitions (CT) within the context of nursing homes and their potential to enhance the quality of care provided during these transitions. Care transitions refer to significant changes in an individual's healthcare delivery that necessitate shifts in healthcare settings and healthcare practitioners, typically due to changes in health conditions and care needs (Smith et al., 2014).
The overarching purpose of this study is to shed light on how the involvement of social services can positively impact the outcomes of care transitions, with a particular emphasis on nursing home settings. This investigation seeks to explore how social workers, with their unique skill sets and person-centered approach, contribute to improving care transitions and the overall well-being of older adults.
The study population comprises individuals within nursing home facilities who are undergoing care transitions. This includes residents, their families, and the healthcare staff involved in these transitions. The research draws from a national sample of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), with data obtained from directors of social service departments. The study encompasses a broad spectrum of demographics within this population, with an emphasis on understanding the factors that support the active involvement of social workers and social service
staff in admissions and care transition processes within SNFs (Galambos, 2021).
