Hospice Care Team: The Role of a Hospice Social Worker

In previous entries we’ve reviewed the hospice philosophy and its holistic care concept. That holistic philosophy works because of the interdisciplinary team, with each team member offering their knowledge, support, and education to the patient and family.

Through a series of upcoming posts, we’ll review the role of the hospice social worker. Each patient is assigned a social worker. The hospice social worker is available to help patients and their loved ones or caregivers navigate the practical and emotional issues that arise during the end of life journey.

Throughout our lives, most of us likely won’t have any interaction with a social worker. In fact, many individuals might have a negative connotation when they hear the term social worker. They sometimes assume these individuals are only called in when someone has done something wrong.

In fact, the hospice social worker is available to assist the patient and family on any number of practical or emotional issues. They can help patients fill out advance directives, help families determine funeral arrangements, offer education about caregiving, connect patients and families to community resources, as well as assess the emotional needs of patients or caregivers. Bookmark our blog, or subscribe via e-mail, to continue following this series about the responsibilities and roles of hospice social workers. Our social workers will be offering their personal experiences and discussing in greater detail how they can help individuals during the end of life journey.

Dying is not an easy task, but hospice workers strive to help patients and loved ones through the process. If you or your loved one is nearing the end of life, and believe you could use the support of hospice care, contact your local hospice today. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization can help you find a provider in your area.

By Carrie Bui, Communications Specialist