Social Services

As a hospice social worker we get to know the patient and family members and assess their ability to cope with the terminal illness. We provide crisis intervention to resolve psychosocial issues which may place the patient and family at high risk. Emotional support is provided. If there are community resources that may be helpful, we facilitate that as well. If the patient wants or needs a higher level of care such as a personal care home or nursing home, we can help facilitate that placement.

Emotional Support

Professionally trained social workers are available to patients and family members dealing with a life-limiting illness. The role of social worker support may include the following:

• Evaluate, actively listen and provide emotional support to the patient and the family in coping with a life limiting illness.
• Discuss with the patient and family end of life issues which may include Living Wills, Five Wishes, and Durable Power of Attorney and Comfort One.
• Provide crisis intervention to resolve problems the patient and families may experience.
• Individual and group support and education
• Provide emotional support for the Legacy Hospice staff.
• Act as a liaison with local social workers, hospital discharge planners, mental health workers, nursing homes, personal care homes and assisted living facilities.
• Assist the patient and family in utilizing available community resources.
• Assist the patient and family with long-range planning and decision making, including personal care home and nursing home placement.
• Assist the patient and family with financial issues including Medicaid applications.
• Social workers at Legacy Hospice are very caring, compassionate, objective and non-judgmental. They act as advocates for the patients and families.

Advanced Directive Documents

The term advance directive describes two types of legal documents that enable you to plan for and communicate your end-of-life issues in the event you are unable to communicate:

• A Living Will allows you to document your wishes concerning medical treatments at the end of life.
• A Medical Power of Attorney allows you to appoint a person you trust as your health care agent who is authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf.