Caregiver Needs and Resources: How Hospice Social Workers Can Help
By George Devejian, LMSW, Mercy Hospice, Collin LIVING WELL Magazine
Often people wonder what the social worker does in the hospice setting. The hospice social worker role can be summarized with the words, support and resources. Under the umbrella of these two areas, there are some concrete ways that the hospice social worker can serve patients and families during their time of need. This article will provide examples of some of the ways we can assist families with caregiver needs and placement issues.
The goal of hospice care is to allow patients to stay in their own home, whether that is in their own residence or a care facility. This can be challenging when a patient’s needs increase. Social workers are able to assist patients and families to accommodate the patient’s increasing need for care while helping them to remain in the residence of their choice. Caregiver issues can be wrought with an array of feelings, and caregivers can feel a sense of uncertainty and even guilt if they sense that they cannot meet the needs of their loved one in the home setting. Many times family members have never had to deal with these issues. They may be confused about how to handle them and may also be unaware of the resources that are available to support them in giving care to their loved one.
The good news is that social workers are familiar with community resources to either increase the support in the home setting or help the family sort out placement and funding options if that is what their situation requires. Social workers are focused on helping patients and families fulfill their choices for care whenever that is possible. Here are some specific caregiving resources that the social worker can provide for families:
- Utilizing volunteers to provide caregiver support and companionship for the patient
- Home Attendant Program through the Department of Aging and Disability
- Meals on Wheels
- In-home caregiver support agencies
- Assisted living facilities
- Long-term care facilities
- Residential-care facilities
In addition, the social worker can help families with applying for funding sources such as: Medicaid and the Veteran Aid & Attendance Benefit for health care expenses. The hospice social worker can provide meaningful support when families face these tough decisions about increased caregiving needs. While these issues are challenging, there is nothing more satisfying than when the family gains the additional support or resources needed in order for them to meet the care needs of their loved one.
There are many other services that hospice social workers provide besides assisting with caregiving resources and placement options. These services include but are not limited to: Advance directive planning, facilitating family dynamics and communication, evaluating funeral home options, support with grief issues, community resources, and understanding the hospice benefit. It is truly a privilege to work with hospice patients and families, and we are here to help and support you. The wonderful thing about the hospice program is that we provide our services as an interdisciplinary team to care for our patients. All of us––the home health aide, nurse, social worker, chaplain, office staff, management, and physician––are here to serve our patients and families and help them carry out their wishes with the utmost dignity and respect.
Mercy Hospice specializes in end-of-life care and may be reached at 972-459-9992 or 866-566-3729.
