Social Work Services
The hospitalization or illness of a child can greatly disrupt a family’s normal routine. As members of the health care team, social workers are available to assist patients and family members in a variety of ways, including:
Communication With The Health Care Team
Your child’s social worker works closely with the doctors, nurses and other staff members caring for your child. As such, the social worker can help you find answers to your questions and provide a better understanding of the recommendations made for your child’s care.
Addressing Patient Concerns
Children often have fears and worries about what will happen when they are hospitalized or going to the doctor’s office. Social workers help children sort out these feelings, as well as offer ongoing support.
Coping with Family Concerns
Our social workers are familiar with the many kinds of stress a family experiences when a child is hospitalized or ill. We can help you identify ways to cope with the emotions you may be experiencing, and provide guidance on how to explain the child’s condition to siblings, relatives and teachers.
We also are trained to provide emotional support, resources and counseling to patients and loved ones dealing with issues of loss, grief and bereavement.
Follow-up Outpatient Visits
Our social workers can assist children or family members with issues related to returning to the Hospital for outpatient appointments, especially if they are struggling or having a particular emotional reaction to ongoing appointments.
Planning for Discharge Home
Planning to take your child home from the hospital can be difficult, especially if special home care will be needed. Your social worker, in collaboration with other members of the health care team, can coordinate the special home services your child will need.
Transfers
If your child is transferred to another hospital or facility based on the recommendation of the health care team, the social worker can help with this transition (lodging or transportation needs, etc.).
Needs (Lodging, Transportation, Financial Assistance, etc.)
Many families who come to our facility are not close to home or family, so our social work team works hard to help you find local lodging, meals, transportation, financial assistance, resources in your home community and more.
Also, for families traveling a great distance to get to Mott, our social workers are available to answer questions and discuss issues/concerns you have in preparation for admission or appointment, and/or help to plan your stay in the local area.
To learn more about the Department of Social Work, visit our Web site or call 734-764 3140.
