This book clearly distinguishes the function of beginning nursing home social workers and provides information and resources essential for them. Topics covered include: assessment; the intake and discharge processes; interventions; resource allocation; medication; diagnosis and treatment of depression; dementias; and legal issues, ethics, and confidentiality agreements. Making the volume still more practical is a glossary of commonly used terms and abbreviations as well as a section of standardized forms and charts.

A Guide for Nursing Home Social Workers is an encyclopedia of nursing home practice issues with which social workers must become familiar. The book is essential reading for beginning and experienced social workers alike. It is also an outstanding text for courses that include content on practice in long term care.

--Patricia Brownell, PhD, CSW, Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, New York