Social Work Support

Our social work team members are experienced guides through the many complex emotional and practical issues that are part of serious illness and death.

Families have important questions:

• How do I talk to my mother about the fact that she is dying?
• Should I tell her?
• I am worried about my son who is so close to his grandfather. How can I help him?
• When should I begin thinking about burial arrangements?
• Who do I call?

We talk with patients and families to make sure they receive the support they need and that their day-to-day problems are addressed.

Social Workers often:

• Counsel and support patients, and those who love and care for them.
• Help patients and families organize a support system.
• Arrange for individual counseling sessions as needed.
• Identify community resources.
• Provide a “safety net” for emotional reactions to illness/death.
• Help to find financial aid when needed.
• Assist in planning for future needs.
• Share stress-management skills.
• Assist in resolving family conflicts.
• Show families how to help children understand sickness, death and dying.
• Coordinate family meetings.
• Most important, social workers LISTEN — without making judgments.