Social Work

What does a Medical Social Worker do?

When a Medical Social Worker meets with a patient they will assess their support needs and any risks to the patient. They will talk to the patient about:

• how their circumstances have changed
• their support network at home
• their current support needs
• any risks related to their current situation

The Medical Social Worker may provide support, information and make referrals to a number of relevant services if needed.

Services available

• Planning discharge home and co-ordinating community services
• Long term care planning, respite and nursing home application where required
• Patient and family education regarding coping with illness
• Individual counselling, group work, work with families and carers
• Information on benefits and entitlements, housing and social welfare
• Referral to other services where appropriate

Resolving Individual and Family Difficulties

Which may include providing assistance with:

• Living with acute or chronic illness
• Protection of vulnerable adults
• Child Protection
• Domestic violence
• Homelessness
• Financial concerns
• Caring for a dependant relative
• Stress, anger and depression
• Loss and bereavement
• Addictions and eating disorders
• Family problems and separation
• Isolation and Loneliness

Useful Links

Irish Health

Citizens Information

Irish Cancer Society

Social Work and Cancer

Marie Keating Foundation - Breast cancer support

Irish Counselling - Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICAP)

National Suicide Bereavement Network

Console - Living with suicide

Rainbows Ireland - Support for children bereaved or experiencing separation

Barnardos - Support for children

Age Action - Promotes positive ageing and better policies and services for older people.

Older in Ireland -Promoting better participation by older people

Let's Face It - Support network for people with facial disfigurement (UK)

Changing Faces - Support network for people with facial disfigurement (UK)

Irish Hospice Foundation

RIP - End of life matters