Our oncology social workers talk with patients and their families about emotional or physical needs, and help them find support services and other appropriate community resources.
A cancer diagnosis can affect many areas of a patient’s life, causing them to feel overwhelmed.
Some of the needs that social workers will commonly identify and assist with include:
- Transportation and housing needs
- Financial concerns that patients may have about paying medical bills, rent, or utilities
- Limitations that patients may have independently performing daily life needs, such as bathing, cooking, or dressing
- Support for mental health, emotional health, or self-image concerns
- Advanced care planning and documenting future healthcare wishes
In this episode of our podcast, Cancer Care Today, we explore the role of the oncology social worker and the ways in which they help patients and their families navigate the many emotional, social, and financial aspects of a cancer diagnosis.
Nicole Reitsma, LICSW, is a certified oncology social worker and part of the Minnesota Oncology social work team.
Share
Categories
Tags
Recent Posts
Coping with Body Changes After Cancer Treatment. While making it through cancer treatment is a wonderful thing, some survivors will continue to experience lasting effects on the body.
During treatment, fatigue can often occur. Continuing to receive adequate nutrition with adequate protein, fiber, and micronutrients, will help to fight off fatigue.
Popping a few burgers or steaks on the grill can be a fun and relaxing way to enjoy summer with family and friends, but some methods of grilling are riskier than others. Cooking with charcoal or cooking your meat incorrectly may be linked to an increased risk of cancer—but there’s no need to avoid the grill completely.