How can a social worker help?
Hospice Social Workers are there for every patient and family to help with needs as the illness progresses. They help them come to terms with end of life concerns like making informed decisions and making sure those decisions are honored. There are medical and psychosocial decisions to make, for instance, preparing an advanced directive.
Social workers work with the patient and families at Hospice of the Pines to assist with advance planning. Some questions that the patient may have and wish to plan for are:
1. Who do I want to make decisions for me if I can’t speak for myself?
2. Who do I want to help care for me and is that person capable?
3. Can I get respite care for my caregiver?
The social worker will help with additional resources as they are needed to fulfill the wishes of the patient and family and serve as a support system along with the rest of the hospice team. The use of personal, family, and community resources will help fulfill needs as they arise.
We love our Social Workers! Your social worker is a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to ask them for assistance or to get your questions answered.
