1. Home Care Social Workers
“We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two!”
Skilled assessment to determine and address barriers to patient care and recovery
Now that we have ‘eye on’ care environment, can patient resources support goals of care in the home?

2. “When will this become too difficult for you?”
The Burdens of Illness
SWs recognizes ALL the losses in the illness experience and impact on patient and caregivers. SWs respond to these changes and help patient and caregivers plan for the future.
Psychological
Social
Physical
Spiritual
Financial
“When will this become too difficult for you?”
Planting the ‘reality’ seed
End of Life Care Discussions

3. Hospice- a TEAM Approach
Social Workers are in integral part of the Hospice Team. They provide patient and caregivers counsel and guidance in meeting the changing care needs through end of life, adapting to the changing care demands and preparing for the pending death.

4. Hospice care does not end at time of death but recognizes the caregivers’ grief experience as they adapt to the loss of their loved one.
“Most bereaved men and women cope effectively, but research has shown that the stresses associated with profound loss, such as living alone and confronting death, can have serious-even deadly- impact on a sizeable minority.” ~Robert Neimeyer, PhD university of Memphis
“40% of people who’ve lost a spouse experience generalized anxiety or panic symptoms in the first year and the mortality rate among surviving spouse in the six months following a loss increased 40 to 70 percent compared with the general population.” ~Selby Jacobs, MD, PhD Yale University
“Early detection and treatment of caregiver distress may reduce bereavement- related morbidity.” ~Garrido & Prigerson

5. References:
Kerstig, Karen. A New Approach to Complicated Grief. American Psychological Association. November 2004, Vol 35, No.10
Garrido, PhD, Melissa M. and Prigerson, PhD, Holly G. “The End of Life Experience: Modifiable Predictors of Caregivers’ Bereavement Adjustment” Cancer. March 15, 2014