The amazing success about hospice is all of the staff work as a team. The patients and families need us all. The secretary answering the phone at the front desk is as important as our CEO. I am so blessed as I have never seen so much heart as I do with our hospice staff. It definitely is a calling. The rewards are so tremendous.
The Social Work role is so not tangible that many struggle what we all do. They know what we do does help but cannot explain why. Being strong patient and family advocates in such a non-judgmental way so clarifies our approach; our support. Folks so cope using what has helped them throughout their life.
The best part about my job is when ringing a doorbell, I have no idea what story or coping strategy I will hear. Truly in the end, I experience so much normal.
WHAT HELPS
We admit patients to hospice
with a terminal medical diagnosis.
Non-medical needs will also arise;
which is the role of the social worker.
We are patient and family advocates.
We will help them with any need that arises.
We are also there for the caregiver
as the demands can be horrendous;
physically and emotionally.
One of the biggest supports we do offer
is all about mourning a tremendous loss.
We normalize their emotions;
we validate their grief.
I will ask caregivers, “What helps you cope?”
So many will mention supportive family and friends;
or say they meditate while taking a walk;
while others will garden and pull some weeds.
Spirituality is always an amazing support.
We all believe what gives up hope.
None of us can prove what we believe to be true,
but then neither can anyone show evidence it’s false.
When I asked her today what helps her cope,
she strongly answered, “My faith will guide me.”
He then said, “I am so ready to go. I am at peace.
I am going home”.
All of us, either instinctively or of awareness,
know so deeply; so assuredly;
what helps.
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