PROGRAMMedical Social Workers
 |
Helping
People Find
the Help
They Need |
What is a Medical Social Worker?
Medical Social Workers guide homebound patients to the community resources they need. They teach patients how to find and use community resources.
Medical Social Workers evaluate a patient's mental health issues and provide brief therapy when needed. Can the patient cope with recovery at home? Does the patient need help with issues of grief or depression?
Medical Social Workers work with families on options for care, such as certified family homes, assisted living centers and skilled nursing facilities.
Medical Social Workers help patients learn if they're qualified for Medicaid and/or Idaho Legal Aid.
Who is eligible for the services of a Medical Social Worker?
Medical Social Workers are ordered by the patient's doctor. Typically, a Home Health nurse or therapist sees the need for a medical social worker and asks the doctor for a referral.
What are the Medical Social Worker's qualifications?
Panhandle Health District's Medical Social Worker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a master's degree-level professional.
Examples of cases in which PHD's Medical Social Worker has participated in the Home Health care team:
- Older patients with thoughts of dying
- Patients with incomes below the poverty level
- Patients who need help with medical bills
- Patients who are ready for longer-term care
- Patients trying to deal with a loss of abilities
Helpful Links
- Area Agency on Aging
- National Association for Home Care and Hospice
- Next Step in Care
- Medicare's Home Health Quality Scorecard
Questions?
Call (208) 415-5160.
.