Social Worker
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Our social worker |
The Department of Radiation Oncology has a social worker dedicated to assisting patients who are undergoing outpatient radiation therapy, their families and their significant others. She also works with radiation oncology patients who are admitted to the hospital or are discharged home.
Most new patients meet the social worker during their simulation visit or before coming for their first appointment. She discusses the psychosocial services and assistance she can provide, and encourages patients to complete a short form to give her an idea of their fears and concerns. This enables her to know how she might help relieve some of the stress from their treatment routine.
The social worker is also available to assist with:
- Transportation to treatment visits
- Lodging for out-of-town patients and their families
- Securing medical equipment and supplies for home use
- Finding home health services
- Obtaining nutritional information and referrals
- Support group meeting schedules
- Referrals to community agencies and services
- Pain management
- Stress management
- Arranging visits from clergy
- Changes in appearance
- Anxiety, depression, or other adjustment issues
- Referrals to other clinicians
- Information on and completion of advance directives, living wills, and health care surrogates
- Placement in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers
To speak or meet with the social worker, please call 305-243-4242.
