Illness and hospitalization are stressful for patients and those who
are close to them. Medical social workers recognize that the
relationship between psychosocial factors and illness can influence
recovery. At Hendricks Regional Health, social workers are available to
help patients and families cope with the social, emotional and
financial problems related to illness and to help them obtain the
services they will need after discharge.
Medical social workers are a good resource for information,
counseling and help with decision-making. They are knowledgeable about
community services and about a variety of health-related topics. Social
workers can help patients and families maximize utilization of
healthcare services and their own resources to both prevent and treat
illnesses; in some cases, they can even help obtain services that
prevent hospitalization.
The Hendricks Regional Health social workers are available to all
patients and family members. Some of the services available include:
- Assessment of the patient's and family's social and emotional environment and ability to cope with the current situation.
- Planning for continuity of care following hospitalization.
- Counseling and emotional support needed as a result of the
many stresses created by and the adjustments and lifestyle changes
necessitated by illness and hospitalization.
- Assistance to patients and families with obtaining available community resources and support services.
- Assistance to patients and families with obtaining available financial assistance
and resolving concerns related to insurance coverage, the cost of
hospitalization and aftercare, and potential income loss resulting from
illness or injury.
- Preadmission
planning, which may involve early referral for post-hospital follow-up
such as nursing facility placement or home health care.
-
Follow-up with designated patients and families following discharge.