Its purpose is to identify the medically related physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and financial needs of residents and to provide referral services to meet these needs. Social service staff assists residents in coping with illness and advocates different options available to them during their rehabilitation process.

The medical care of nursing home residents is coordinated with the social service staff. The concerns of family members with respect to resident care can be effectively addressed by a social worker in the facility. The terminally ill residents and Alzheimer's disease-stricken residents may need the social service staff's intervention to cope with their death and dying.