A salute to social workers
Not only do they help patients, but they support doctor and nursing staff through their challenges as well.
March marks Social Worker Month, a month to acknowledge the effort and sacrifice social workers put in, day in and day out, for the communities in which they work.
The role of a social worker varies according to the field in which they focus, whether it be social development, family development, children and youth, gerontology, palliative care, crime prevention or academia and research, to name a few.
“As Hospice East Rand, we’d like to place a spotlight on palliative care and the exceptional work our social workers play within our organisation,” said Jonquil Siepman, marketing and media liaison for Hospice East Rand.
Palliative care is centred around improving the quality of life for patients diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses through the prevention and relief of suffering, the early identification, assessment and treatment of pain and other psychosocial and spiritual problems.
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Patients and their family members can experience a roller coaster of emotions from disbelief, doubt, anger and anxiety to depression, financial strain, physical pain, social isolation and/or family conflict.
“Together with our doctor and nursing sisters, our social workers take a holistic approach to addressing our patients’ physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being.
“We look at all aspects realistically and find the best solution for our patients,” said Busi Ntondini, senior social worker and head of the psychosocial department at Hospice East Rand.
“We help navigate planning for end-of-life care, help patients understand treatment plans, manage stress around their illness, overcome crisis management, connect patients to further support networks and provide bereavement counselling for the family.”
Not only do they help patients, but they support doctors and nursing staff through their challenges as well.
If you are suffering from a life-limiting illness or have a family member or friend in need, contact Hospice East Rand on 011 422 1531 or at intake@hospiceeastrand.co.za
