One of our many goals is to attend to the holistic needs of our patients and their family systems, including the need for emotional and social support.

Within days of admission to our hospice program, our social work staff will make an initial contact with the patient/resident and their primary care giver. A social worker is assigned to each patient/resident and their family to provide counseling and help address the many emotions that surface when facing the end of life.

Our professional social work team works closely with the medical staff, Volunteer Manager, Chaplains, and Bereavement Coordinator to pose diverse options for anticipating and coping with the dying process. This team approach provides encouragement and guidance for meeting the emotional, social, spiritual, and concrete needs of patients/residents and their family members. Assistance can be given in regards to facilitating referrals for other services available in the community and to advise families about arrangements that can be made in preparation for the loss of a loved one. Social workers also consult with the primary care giver to identify other loved ones or friends who may be in need of social work services or grief support follow-up. Our goal is to discover where help is needed, and to make ourselves available as one link in a strong chain of support that you'll find at Avalon Hospice.

"Our patients and their loved ones experience many emotions and concerns as they face the changes caused by terminal illness and anticipated loss. Feelings may include sadness, fear, anxiety, and guilt, but there are also times of great happiness, relief, and acceptance. A large part of social work services is providing counseling to help people cope with the many emotions that surface as they deal with end of life issues. It is truly a privilege to work with patients and their families at such a critical point in their lives."
Joanne Rinke, MSW, ACSW, Social Worker