Social Services

Medical Social Workers/Discharge Planners are licensed staff specially trained to assist patients and families with many of the issues that often arise during a hospital stay.

Here are a few of the situations in which a Social Worker can be helpful.

When a patient is in need of new medical services at home after discharge.

• Durable Medical Equipment
• Home Health Care
• Hospice Care

When a patient is unable to return home immediately after discharge from the hospital.

• Rehabilitation Transfer
• Assisted Living Placement
• Nursing Home Placement

When a patient is interested in executing advanced directives.

• Durable Power of Attorney of Healthcare
• Living Will
• Do Not Resuscitate

When a patient is in need of community resources.

• Home Maker Services
• Transportation Assistance
• Medication Assistance

When special needs arise after the birth of a baby.

• Adoption Assistance
• Teen Motherhood Assessments
• Child Safety Concerns

When a patient is involved in a crisis situation.

• Family conflict
• Domestic Violence
• Abuse/Neglect Situations
• Drug/Alcohol Abuse Issues
• Grief/Loss Issues

Social Workers can be asked to see patients by many people.  They include:

• Physician Requests
• Nursing Requests
• Patient Requests
• Family Requests

If you believe that a patient in the hospital would benefit from a visit from a social worker, please inform that patient's nurse or physician so that they may notify the Social Services Department.