SOULcial Salute

Betsy Van Scoy LSW, TCU Social Worker

Martin Luther Care Center, Bloomington

Serving Seniors Was Pretty Clear From the Start

With both parents working in geriatrics and Betsy volunteering to serve in high school it wasn’t a big surprise where she began her work. In 2001 her first job with her new social work license was at a skilled nursing facility. It was in Little Falls, not far from her home in St. Cloud MN. “I was surprised I liked it as much as I did. The interdisciplinary dynamics with the patients, their histories and the families’ involvement was very interesting.” Betsy explained.

Building Experience

In her second professional year Betsy found her way to Minneapolis. This is where she described being “mentored into good habits”. It was a skilled facility serving those with mental health needs. “It was a great team. And my supervisor was a good mentor and taught me solid discharge planning.” Year six brought Betsy to her next career stop in Saint Paul. She spent ten years executing her craft in another skilled care setting.

Then in 2016 Betsy began working at Martin Luther Care Center. She described herself at this point as “being passionate about the process and the persons she serves in navigating that process.” Betsy clipped through the elements of her work including customer service, grievance management, assessments, documentation, ordering equipment and services, and discharge planning.

Serving Seniors with Straight Forward Excellence

“My approach is more black-and-white with my role clearly defined. It is guided by identifying what brought the patient here, what their needs are, and lining it all up.” Betsy went on to say, “I really enjoy gathering all the pieces together, meeting the patients’ needs and leaving them satisfied.” It is clear Betsy is all about coordinating services to keep the trains on track and on time.

This kind of clarity and focus is what can produce results that exceed expectation. Betsy described a particularly rewarding experience where a woman was not accepting the order for skilled care placement. Her husband didn’t recognize the level of care needed nor was he equipped to provide such care. Betsy was able to educate the husband about her needs. She then coordinated the set-up and delivery of the necessary equipment and services.  The husband’s wife successfully transitioned home with home care.

Teamwork is key

For some years a colleague(former) of Betsy’s brought a particular flair to the work. Their shared office included seasonal costuming and an ever present dog. “That was a unique work relationship.” Betsy said with a wry smile. Today Betsy is noticeably satisfied with her current work environment. She really appreciates the solid management, her supervisor and their executive director. “I am proud to be a part of this group.” Besty concluded.

“Betsy is kind and caring with a great sense of humor. She brings comfort to our residents when they are feeling uneasy, ensuring they have the safest discharge plan from our transitional care unit. Betsy is a wonderful asset to our Social Services team!”

~Megan Szymik, LSW Director of Social Services & Admissions