March is Social Work Month, which is a great opportunity to learn about the important teams who work with patients and families to provide support during life’s most challenging moments.
According to the National Association of Social Workers, the theme for this year is “Empowering Social Workers: Inspiring Action, Leading Change.” Now more than ever, our nation needs social workers, as they are uniquely qualified to handle societal troubles currently on the rise, such as homelessness, the opioid crisis, and suicide rates.
What is the role of a social worker at Cooper?
Social workers in the hospital setting provide patients and their families with information and resources to help them cope with the emotional, financial, and social needs that arise with a diagnosis and hospitalization.
What are some ways that social workers help their patients?
Social workers work one-on-one with patients and their families to plan for life after a hospital stay. They work as advocates for the patient and are involved with the discharge planning process. This includes linking patients with social service providers and ensuring that all patients’ needs are met. Social workers do all of this with compassion and empathy, in a way that is inclusive of all people.
How can a patient connect with a social worker?
Any patient or their family can request to speak with one of our team by calling the Transitional Care Department at 846.342.3270, and they will be put in contact with the individual who covers their unit.
Thank you to our transitional care and social work teams for all that you for our patients and their families.
