 | Sandy Wilburn was raised in Wichita and received her BA in Liberal Arts from Wichita State University. She has a minor in women’s studies, and has been an active volunteer for the YWCA’S Women’s Crisis Center for over 10 years. Working with the elderly is a true calling for her and she has also facilitated an Alzheimer’s support group. Sandy works with the Department on Aging helping to do CARE ASSESSMENTS on the elderly that are entering nursing facilities. Sandy is the social worker for Trinity Hospice and can be reached at 316-686-5999. |
Hospice
2008-03-01 10:56:00
Social workers and the roles they play
Answer: The role of the hospice social worker has many functions. An initial evaluation of the patient and family situation is done to make sure that all needs are being met. Many times community resources can be accessed to help maintain quality of life while patients remain in their home. Through discussion, many end of life issues can be addressed such as, is there a durable power of attorney? Has patient decided upon what resuscitation measures should be taken? Have funeral arrangements been made? What if nursing home placement is necessary? What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? The social worker can help answer these questions and give options that families might not have been aware of. Social workers can also help bring focus to what can be an overwhelming situation. Many times patients and families are not aware of what the dying process is and of what to expect. Education of this process is important; as it helps ease fears and dispenses with misconceptions. This can be a comfort to all involved. The social worker is there to give support, sometimes mediate and to listen to the wishes of the patients and loved ones. Another aspect of the hospice social worker is to be compassionate and sensitive to the high emotions which usually coincide with a terminal illness. By helping families find options within our community, which help their specific needs, a sense of direction is found. A social worker can be an outside source that can look at particular situations in a different light and add hope. Active listening is also a major part of social work. Social workers are trained to address such issues as a caregiver becoming overwrought, financial shortcomings, counseling needs and working through the mortality of a loved one. Hospice social workers have had the privilege of assisting patients and families as they work through the process of living life to its fullest with a terminal diagnosis. Hospice social workers are grateful for the trust and open heartedness in which families have embraced and given them.
