Hospice social workers are trained, licensed professionals who focus on end-of-life care. Many are Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), an academic and professional designation that authorizes them to assess, diagnose, and recommend treatment options. Some hospice social workers hold an MSW (Master of Social Work). Approximately 137,000 licensed hospice social workers are currently providing care throughout the country.
Hospice social workers are often the glue that holds together a hospice team. They help patients and families navigate many social, emotional, and financial challenges. They aim to create the best possible environment for patients at the end of their lives, in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice facilities, or at home.
Hospice Social Work Is All-Encompassing
So many changes occur when someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness or life-ending injury. Hospice care begins when it is clear that there is no cure or desire to continue treatment to keep a disease from progressing. Since curative treatment is no longer an option, a hospice social worker focuses on the patient’s pain management and quality of life. Their goal is to provide a comfortable, safe space and support the patient’s physical, emotional, and practical needs.
Ensure Continuity of Care
Hospice social workers coordinate care from the family doctor, hospice physician, registered or practical nurse, spiritual counselor, home health aide, and volunteers. Keeping track of appointments and interactions of many providers isn’t easy on family members. Having a social worker as a key point of contact reduces stress in a highly dynamic environment.
Provide Emotional Support
Hospice social workers consider and respect each patient’s ethnic, cultural, and religious background. They can help patients work through their fears and anxieties about dying. Hospices provide a pathway for various religious and spiritual leaders to address specific issues in different faiths.
A hospice social worker can help family caregivers recognize and prevent caregiver burnout. They connect family members to respite programs and other resources, including spiritual counselors and mental health professionals.
Secure Financial Assistance
A hospice social worker helps families apply for Medicare, which covers hospice services. Many states’ Medicaid programs also cover hospice care. Hospice social workers also identify other assistance programs and tools to help with housing, utilities, taxes, and food security.
Understand Veterans’ Benefits
Suppose you or your loved one is a Veteran. In that case, hospice social workers help you connect with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for available caregiver reimbursement and a military funeral with medals and other honors.
Assist with End-of-Life Planning
Some hospice patients need to prepare for end-of-life decisions. A social worker helps them understand the importance of creating a will, advanced healthcare directives, and other legal documents.
Hospice social workers educate family members on what to expect at the time of death and afterward. They have connections to local resources, including funeral homes, which provide invaluable assistance in obtaining death certificates and notifying the Social Security Administration and other organizations about their loved one’s passing.
Provide Grief Support
Hospice social work includes bereavement support for everyone in the family, with age-appropriate resources and activities. They also help the patient, and family members understand and accept a terminal diagnosis.
Ways to Celebrate Social Work Month
Only a month to celebrate the incredible contributions of these dedicated professionals? We have suggestions on how to make the most of it!
Give a Gift Card
Consider giving the hard-working social workers you know a gift card to their favorite restaurant, store, or online retailer.
Provide Some Pampering
Social work is not a high-paying profession. Consider a gift card for a manicure, pedicure, or hair treatment at a local salon.
Bring Them Treats
Most hospice social workers have a home base of operations. Find out when they’re usually in the office and send a dozen donuts with coffee, a fruit and cheese platter, or a catered lunch.
Give Five-Star Reviews
Hospice agencies value feedback and outstanding care should be publicly praised. Share your appreciation with a glowing review on Yelp, Google, and other social platforms.
Spread the News
Post a compliment or thank you on your social media account and tag @nasw on Twitter and @naswsocialworkers on Facebook and Instagram. Use #SocialWorkMonth and SWMonth2023.
Hospice social workers help patients and families adjust to the many challenges after a terminal diagnosis and throughout the end-of-life journey. Every ShareLife location is proud to support the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to exceptional end-of-life care.