The Social Worker Podcast is honoured to feature Karen Lok Yi Wong — a registered social worker whose work has shaped dementia care, aging policy, and equity in elder support systems across Canada. 

Karen brings years of practice experience across community senior services, long-term care, and geriatric acute care, alongside a deep commitment to research and advocacy for older adults and their families. Her contributions have been recognized with the Inspiring Social Worker of the Year Award and the Distinguished Service Award. 

In this episode, Karen reflects on: 

• Supporting older adults and people living with dementia 

• The realities of transnational family caregiving 

• How structural forces — including racism — shape access to dementia supports 

• Addressing stigma and barriers within Chinese communities 

• The role of research in advancing anti-oppressive gerontological social work 

Through both practice and research, Karen’s work highlights how social workers can challenge inequities and improve systems of care for aging communities.