The onset of a chronic or terminal disease can cause great turmoil within families. Emotions become intense and stress levels rise. Patients and their families not only have to cope with new medical diagnoses, but also with the financial, social and psychological stresses that accompany them.

Medical social workers on the Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice team are here to help. Social workers work with patients and their families to manage these new stresses and obtain the services and support necessary to surmount them. Services available include:

Assessment and Evaluation: Social workers visit with patients and their families and help them review their situations. Available resources are discussed and help provided to access them.

Counseling: Social workers help patients and families deal with the emotions evoked by the onset of chronic and terminal illnesses. Social Workers help families with problem solving, education, family counseling, support and crisis intervention.

Community Resource Planning: Social workers provide information about community programs and resources to help patients and their families cope with chronic and terminal illnesses.

For more information about social work support services, please call Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice at (800) 869-7062 or (360) 459-8311.