Most of you know that I’m only a keyword concubine by night. By day, I’m a hospice social worker. The hospice that I work for is a small not-for-profit agency, and right now we’re experiencing a huge growth spurt. I have a caseload of 27, two more than the national average. I’m not complaining, mind you, because I love my job, but it is keeping me busy. I’ve worked over thirty hours in the last three days, and there’s still plenty more waiting for me to do when I get in tomorrow.
Just what, some of you are probably wondering, does a hospice social worker do? Plenty. I–or my social work partner in crime–go out with the nurses on each new admission and make sure that the legal paperwork is taken care of properly. Then I have to do a three page psychosocial assessment and a two page bereavement risk assessment on each new patient within five days of admission. Not five business days, mind you. Five days. From those assessments, I come up with a plan of care and handle any needs that are immediately apparent on admission, like helping clients find extra caregivers, sign up for home-delivered meals or a personal medical alarm, or select a funeral home. Sometimes, the situation at home is so bad it requires that the client be placed in a skilled nursing facility immediately, but luckily those cases are rare.
After the initial rush of the admission, things settle down a little. As long as the situation is stable, I visit clients in their homes or nursing centers twice a month to provide emotional support and assess the need for any new resources. I’m also available for emergencies during the day–”Mrs. X doesn’t have an air conditioner and it’s 100 degrees outside.” “Mr Y’s caregiver just went to the hospital for chest pains and we have to get Mr. Y to a nursing home where someone can look after him.” “Ms. Z doesn’t have any food in the house.”
After a client dies, I follow families for a year of bereavement counseling, making phone calls and home visits, sending letters and cards to people I’m having a hard time reaching by phone, helping facilitate support groups, and in general just being available when bereaved family members and friends need to talk.
Then, when I get home from my day job I gulp down a meal, watch a half-hour long sitcom, and go to work on my writing. It’s quite the life. But, you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way! More on my writing projects next time. In the meantime, enjoy my current ramblings:
What is an Indian Penny? on Experts123 (mine is the second answer)
Can HIV Testing Be Required Prior to Medical Treatment? on eHow
History of Disposable Diapers on eHow (come on, admit it, you want to know)
And my personal favorite…
DVD Review – Jesus Christ Superstar 2001 on Suite101.com
‘Til next time, enjoy the summer and stay cool!
