The doctor ordered a Social Worker to come look at the house. What if anything can they do for me?

They will take a look around and see what can be done to make things safer, and address any concerns you and they and dad have. Like shower/bathroom safety, meal situations, space for safe moving... They are supposed to be looking for ways to help. And that may mean helping you find the best situation for Dad, be at your home or a facility. They can also be of help in getting home care supplies. Don't panic,, be open to thier advice and it will go better!

I think the Social Worker wants to see your Dad in his own environment, to see how he functions or if he needs to be placed in senior care living.

As for asking about self-pay or Medicaid, the Social Worker may ask so that he/she can determine what Dad can afford, if it is proven he needs help at a skilled facility. If self-pay, for how long? If Dad's savings are limited, then he would need to apply for Medicaid.

Not all skilled nursing homes or even Assisted Living will take Medicaid. So you wouldn't want to move Dad into a self-pay place only, only to move him again to a place that takes Medicaid.

The thing is you can't just call up a nursing home and ask for a room, your dad needs to be evaluated as to what his needs are and whether a nursing home is the best fit for him... nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities/long term care are reserved for those who need the highest level of care. The social worker will be your gateway person who can (hopefully) help you negotiate the maze of options available according to his needs and his ability to pay.

thanks for all the great advice. I would like to keep him at home if its safe for him ,, but I really don't know.. there so many things that he does and about the house really that aren't. ie. he cooks something and leaves the stove on goes to sleep, theres no AC and it gets over 110 degrees some days. getting from the bedroom to the bathroom is hard for him ,,, we'll see what they say ,,,

thanks, , my brother and I are looking for a place close to my work (he's retired) that once im retired will be exactly in between both of us. The activities calendar looked like a lot of fun,, I wouldn't mind joining in some of those !! this morning he made himself a large breakfast ,, (not looking forward to that bathroom visit) ,, anyway ,, for now the in home care for 3 hours 3 times a week is what we have to work with ,, hopefully things will even out in the next few months and we will have direction.

Didgens, if your Dad went into a skilled nursing home, would he be self-pay or would he need to apply for Medicaid?

maybe a combo ? I believe he already has Medicaid ?

Check this out Didgens.
Lots of answers to your question. I am proud of you for taking action and of your dr for responding so soon. From what you told us in your last post this should really help you determine the level of care your dad needs.

https://www.agingcare.com/search.aspx?searchterm=Social%20workers

oh also adding ,, he lives alone ,, its not my house but his (my mom passed away 2 years ago this September)

thanks Cwillie and MacinCT ,,, so today the Social Worker called and I told them of my dads living conditions and abilities. so these things have happened

1. The caregiver that quit has been replaced with someone new im to meet tomorrow.
2. the social worker called and said "yes it sounds like he would need to be in assisted living as it doesn't sound safe at home any longer" he gave my number to a placement agency and they are looking for a place for him.
3. I went to look at a place that my brother was referred to by "A Place for MOM" ,, they want 7k for memory care private quarters .. hmm ,, but I learned what you had mentioned that he needs to be examined by a neurologist to see if he has dementia or Alzheimer's.
4. Got the Social worker to contact doctor and we now have a request for the "Home Doctor Program" so he can be seen at home for consult. this makes me happy as he doesn't have to be jostled to much to get into a doctors office.

wow .. what a day ,, and I did this all from work ,, no I cannot care for him, my own husband passed away after Christmas last year and im putting 3 kids through college and live 90 minutes away.