• Patient and Family Services SocialWorkers2010

     An important part of each patient's recovery is assuring a smooth transition from hospitalization to discharge. Medical social workers work closely with patients, family members, and medical staff to assess patient needs and work with patients and their families to arrange appropriate medical equipment or homecare services. Services include home nursing services, Lifeline, Meals on Wheels, or extended-care facility arrangements.



  • Patients are asked upon admission whether or not they have executed an Advance Directive. An Advance Directive is a document that outlines your choices for future healthcare (Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare).

    If a patient does not have an Advance Directive, Patient and Family Services Department staff can provide materials. The department has certified Advance Directive counselors available to assist patients, free of charge, with writing down their wishes about future medical treatment. This service is also available to the community.


    To help patients and their family members adjust to illness and treatment, the hospital offers many educational programs. Direct patient caregivers work with patients to determine what effect the illness and treatment may have on them. Instructions may be provided on managing medications, nutritional counseling, or other procedures to follow at home.