Social Work Month: Spotlight on Hospice Social Workers

By Jennifer Moore

photo left to right: Sandra Smith, Marty Jackson, Jennifer Moore, Lataisha Hendricks

This year's Social Work Month means a great deal to me as it will be my 19th year as a medical social worker for Mary Washington Healthcare. In those 19 years, I have had many experiences that stand out as examples of the incredible impact that social workers add to hospice.

Medical social workers in hospice care meet patients and families where they are in their journey; providing support and understanding when families and patients are experiencing a life-limiting illness. They provide pertinent information on the patient’s psychological, social, and emotional needs.

They are often called upon to help understand the many social and emotional challenges that families face. They facilitate conversations on a level that is conducive to patients/families’ understanding, serving as the bridge between the patient/family and their healthcare.

Five years ago, I was given the opportunity to oversee Mary Washington Hospice's team of medical social workers. As their supervisor, I am incredibly proud of each of the four women who achieve the goal of providing patients and their families with positive experiences in the healthcare setting.

I have had the good fortune to witness their growth, dedication, and expertise firsthand. They are vital members of our interdisciplinary team, and this Social Work Month I'd like to acknowledge and honor the critically important work that they do every day.