1c. How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help
An oncology social worker is able to help cancer patients in the following ways:
A Social Worker is aware of community services that can be helpful to your unique situation and can refer you to the appropriate agencies. These can include:
- Alternative living arrangements
- Home and community based services through county social services
- Home health or hospice care
- Homemakers
- Lifeline medical alert programs
- Lodging arrangements
- Meals on Wheels
- Medical equipment, such as a cane or walker
- Mental health counseling services
- Support groups
- Transportation
A Social Worker coordinates with the Financial Counselor and Cancer Support Specialist to address your financial concerns related to health care. Referrals to local and national programs that assist with financial concerns may be possible, dependent on your personal situation.
- American Cancer Society
- Cancer funds
- Medicare
- Medical assistance
- Social Security benefits
- State Comprehensive Insurance
- Veterans benefits
- Vocational concerns
A Social Worker can provide support to help you, your family, or caregivers cope with the stress related to a diagnosis of cancer, treatment, and recovery. This can be accomplished by:
- Help with adjustment to illness
- Support through decision making
- Enhancing communication
- Short-term counseling
- Referral for long term counseling
- Referral to cancer support groups
- Information about caregiver support programs
- Information about survivorship