Medical social workers are your one stop for help on a variety of issues. They can connect you to the services and resources that you and your family need.
An illness or hospital stay can be frightening and confusing. You may feel stressed or overwhelmed by information and the decisions that need to be made. Our social workers will help you navigate and set priorities. They’ll also offer emotional support to you and your family.
At SMDC Medical Center, social workers are part of our healthcare teams. Each social worker is assigned to specific departments. Ask your doctor or nurse to connect you with a social worker.
Among the issues that social workers can help with:
- Community resources and referrals
- Financial assistance programs
- Pre-surgery or post-surgery needs
- Lodging
- Health care directives
- Discharge planning
- Home health care, medical equipment and meal delivery
- Nursing homes or other residential needs
- Hospice and palliative care
- Abuse/neglect of children or vulnerable adults
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Interpreter services for foreign languages or for those who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Advocacy
- Notary services
- Support groups
- Transportation
Social workers offer counseling and support for a variety of issues, including:
- Adjustment to illness
- Caregiver concerns
- Family issues
- Financial issues
- Grief and loss
- Illness and lifestyle changes
- Parenting issues