Medical Social Services
A Medical social services professional may be assigned to help you and your family deal with emotions and challenges throughout your illness. Services include:
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Providing emotional support, counseling, and guidance to you and your family in coping with stress related to the illness;
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Identifying community resources that are available to help you;
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Assisting you and your family with planning for funeral arrangements, nursing home placement, etc., and offering information about Advance Directives.
How Medical Social Services Work
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A hospice social worker looks beyond the immediate medical concerns to understand the circumstances affecting the patient and family.
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The social worker assesses psychosocial needs, family concerns, available support, and practical challenges.
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Patients and caregivers can discuss concerns involving family dynamics, emotional stress, care planning, or changes related to serious illness.
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The social worker may help connect families with appropriate community or support resources when available.
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Social work services are coordinated with nursing, physician, spiritual, and other hospice services.
Benefits of Medical Social Services
Nonmedical Challenges
Social work support can help families navigate the nonmedical challenges that often accompany serious illness.
Caregiver Guidance
Families can receive guidance when caregiving responsibilities create emotional or practical strain.
Comprehensive Discussion
Patients have an opportunity to discuss concerns that may not be addressed through medical care alone.
Resource Identification
Caregivers can receive help identifying appropriate resources and support.
Whole-Person Approach
Meridian Hospice Care, Inc. takes a whole-person approach by addressing psychosocial needs alongside physical comfort.
Get Hospice Care Support
Ready to explore compassionate hospice care for yourself or a loved one? Set an appointment today to speak with our experienced care team and learn how we can provide personalized support and comfort.