Services: Medical Social Work
Hospice Social Workers are degreed, licensed professionals who specialize in assisting the patient and their family in working through the numerous challenges that accompany a terminal diagnosis. Social workers advocate on behalf of the patient and family, assisting as necessary in accessing needed community resources (financial, legal, human services, counseling, etc.).
The psychological and emotional needs of the patient and family are central to the plan of care. Each patient’s circumstances vary from another’s, but everyone will have some major decisions to make. Hospice social workers can help you obtain the information you need to make informed decisions. A primary focus is respecting the wishes of the patient and their family. Thus, the social worker will not impose any particular agenda, but will support your wishes and facilitate the process.
Loneliness, anxiousness and fear are common feelings among family members and the social worker is experienced in helping you recognize your feelings, express them and deal with them constructively. The social worker will help the patient and family members cope with the range of emotions that accompany terminal illness. The goal is to make the most of the time left together with the patient and to build a strong foundation for the future and the changes it will bring.
|
