Written by Jeff Felix
When people are confronted with an incurable disease, having social workers on their team is extremely valuable. They support both the people living with the disease as well as their loved ones as they deal with the challenges and decisions that come at the end of life. But what do social workers specifically offer in terms of support? The following provides an overview of their mission and the impact they can have.
Not only do social workers care for people living with a disease, they also attend to the people and circumstances around them, including their family and friends, local resources, social policies and their rights. By taking all these factors into account, they ensure that everyone in their care has access to the services they need and that their rights are respected.
Our social workers are allies in protecting the rights and interests of patients and their loved ones, especially when faced with medical expenses or administrative obstacles. For example, they could take the appropriate steps with the RAMQ to have a hospital debt reimbursed or help a patient appeal a denial from the Social Solidarity Program.
“We had one particular case at Maison St-Raphaël concerning a patient who was living in another country. He came back to Quebec every six months to be eligible for RAMQ services. When he became ill, his family had to bring him back to Quebec, but the RAMQ did not cover the costs. We intervened to protect this person’s rights by representing him at the Laval hospital and by helping his family cancel his debt with the RAMQ. The process was long and demanding. It required immediate and intensive action.”
The social workers at Maison St-Raphaël provide information on issues such as consent to care, advance medical directives, protection mandates and post-death arrangements. They help patients and their families understand their options and navigate the often complex legal framework.
By taking on the role of mediator, our social workers facilitate conversations among family members, at times organizing sessions to address difficult topics.
“Sometimes members of a family feel the need to protect each other by avoiding discussions about difficult topics. However, when things are left unsaid, it can lead to misunderstandings and frustration on both sides. It may be a good idea to have a family intervention to help everyone communicate with each other.”
Many difficult topics can arise during palliative care. Social workers take on this supportive role to provide emotional support. They listen and offer advice and comfort at every stage of the journey, from diagnosis to the end of life and bereavement. This support can take the form of individual in-person interviews, bereavement calls or peer-based support groups.
When you have several caregivers, it may be a good idea to identify a case manager. This person coordinates and facilitates communications between the various care services and ensures consistent follow-up for patients and their loved ones.
“I work with a woman in the Day Centre who is seen at several hospitals for various health problems. She often doesn’t know where to turn, especially given her anxiety over her state of health and the multitude of information coming from the professionals working with her. As a team, we noted a lack of communication and sought to share information more effectively. When I became her case manager, I was able to simplify the management of her appointments and ensure more consistent care.”
Social workers offer much more than administrative assistance. They alleviate worries, bring hope and ensure that every individual and every family receives the support they need. Working with other professionals, they help create an environment where everyone feels understood and supported, even in the most difficult of times.
To make an appointment with one of our social workers, contact us at 514-736-2001, ext. 400, or email us at centredejour@maisonstraphael.org.
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