March: National Social Workers Month
Social workers at Hospice of North Idaho are an essential part of the interdisciplinary group that makes up a hospice team. These certified medical social workers have specialized end-of-life care training and in-depth knowledge and expertise in many areas. The goal of Hospice of North Idaho social workers is to enhance quality of life and promote well-being for patients, families and caregivers. Working within cultural, ethnic and economic diversity, the social workers work closely with the patient and their support system to assist in areas of need they identify together. Research shows that the benefits of hospice social workers go way beyond increasing the quality of life and well being the patient; they also reduce hospitalization and overall costs to the health care system.
What does a hospice social worker do?
While the activities of a social worker vary based on the unique needs a hospice client and their loved ones, they may assist in:
• Facilitating communication to help people identify their goals
• Providing information about health care decisions based on patient goals
• Navigating local resources and agencies
• Understanding the hospice benefit
• Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid paperwork
• Funeral planning and after-death arrangements
• Identifying emotional and spiritual needs and finding appropriate support as needed
• Bringing loved ones together whenever possible
• Obtaining grief counseling for survivors
• Identifying other needs of the patient and their support circle and assisting as needed.
Hospice of North Idaho would like to say "THANK YOU" to its 17 social workers that work hard each and every day to ensure that our community receives the best end-of-life care and support possible.