The goal of effective hospice care is to focus on quality of life, which means caring for the emotional needs of patients and their families. At Maxcare Hospice, we offer compassionate social care that equips patients and families with strategies to cope with the challenges of a loved one receiving hospice care.
What is Social Care in Hospice?
Social care is a type of care carried out by our social workers to offer emotional and psychological support. Our social workers are vital members of the Maxcare Hospice care team and have numerous responsibilities.
- Counseling and support. Whether it’s yourself or a loved one in hospice care, we understand that this period can bring lots of complex emotions like grief, anger, denial, and sadness. Our social workers are equipped to guide patients and their families through this period and share some coping methods. For many, end-of-life care can be challenging and scary. There are many changes to adapt to, and most importantly, the need for acceptance. Social workers can help patients find peace and acceptance.
- Guiding communication. It’s common for this period to cause tension and conflicts within families, and social workers can help facilitate open communication in a safe space. This gives patients and family members the opportunity to share their thoughts, fears, and wishes. Social workers can help patients resolve conflicts within the family and between the family and the care team to avoid unnecessary emotional distress. The social worker can act as the patient’s advocate to ensure their wishes and needs are respected.
- Providing practical support. Support systems are incredibly important in hospice care, and our social workers can help families connect with needed resources like:
- Emotional support
- Educational support
- Financial support
Our skilled social workers can assist with the coordination of care and guide patients and their loved ones through making informed medical decisions. This support doesn’t just end when the patient passes on. Our social workers can help families deal with funeral planning and death paperwork.
