As part of Social Work Month this March, we are celebrating and recognizing our dedicated social workers. We thank them for their support of the hospice mission. Each and every day, they make a difference in the lives of our patients and families. Our staff recognized social workers making an impact on the lives of patients and families at Ohio’s Hospice affiliates.  

“Lise Anne does a fantastic job making sure patients and their families have what is needed to enrich the lives of our patients beyond medications and nursing interventions. She goes out of her way to answer questions and address concerns that family and staff may have. Finally, I would like to say thank you for being an asset to our team,” said a teammate of Lisa Anne, a social worker at Community Care Hospice.  

Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to a patient’s needs. Our care team includes board-certified hospice and palliative care physicians, hospice-certified nurses and personal care specialists (state tested nursing assistants), social workers, chaplains, bereavement counseling professionals, and volunteers.  

“The work of a social worker might not go appreciated enough, but I do appreciate all your hard work and care that you provide to our group of patients. We have a vulnerable population that you help to protect and assist, and it does not go unrecognized,” said a teammate of Darrin, a social worker at Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County.  

As part of the interdisciplinary care team, our social workers provide superior care and superior services to our patients and families. They use their advanced educational background, clinical expertise, judgment, and discretion to help identify the unique cultural and spiritual beliefs, coping skills, and pre-bereavement and anticipatory grief needs of patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness to offer a wide range of services to individuals and their families.   

“Sometimes a simple thank you does not feel like much. But we appreciate you so very much for all your dedication to the patients we care for. When a patient can recite your name with ease, it is because you made an impact in their lives. Thank you,” said a teammate of Shawna, a social worker at Ohio’s Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties.  

Our social workers collaborate with a patient’s care team to help provide the best care possible.  

“Rebecca  is such a wonderful co-worker. She is encouraging and helpful and always available to talk through situations. More importantly, she is an amazing advocate for her patients and families,” said a teammate of Rebecca, social worker at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. 

Across all Ohio’s Hospice affiliates, our social workers:  

• Bring knowledge and expertise in working with ethnic, cultural and economic diversity.
• Navigate the complexities of healthcare systems.
• Help enhance quality of life and well-being for patients and families.
• Understand grief support.

“Bev is able to build rapport and trust with patients who are distrustful of the health system, and to engage to help with determining the best course to move forward to provide the best quality of life possible for patients,” said a teammate of Bev, a social worker at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. 

We’re grateful to all of our social workers across the state of Ohio. We thank them for their ongoing support of our mission!