The Social Worker

Another key ingredient to the mix that is Hospice, is the Social Worker. This is the individual who, when assigned a patient, makes the nuts and bolts of the service fall into place. The social worker may assist the patient anywhere from trying to make sense of a pile of bills to arranging and finalizing healthcare benefits or funeral arrangements.

Because they are specially trained, they can provide counseling both to patients as well as their families. Their role, though well defined, allows for some flexibility in helping the patient navigate the "system."

The terminally ill patient goes through certain stages when advised of their situation and the expected outcome. (I will touch upon these stages in a later article.) The social worker can recognize these stages and help the patient through the adjustment process. They can reinforce that whatever the patient is feeling, it is appropriate for that patient.

Often patients express a need to get their affairs in order. The social worker is in a unique position to advise the patient and educate the family on what to expect. A caring and giving professional, the Hospice Social Worker is a respected and much needed part of the team.

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