Hospice Social Worker Donna Ellison Shares Her Perspective
I am fortunate to be the Social Worker for Pike County Hospice. The hospice team provides services to terminally ill patients who choose to no longer seek medical interventions for their illness. In turn they are able to have care, dignity, and respect for their end of life care planning.
My position as social worker allows me to provide a variety of services to ensure the care is individualized for each person and their family. Examples of being a hospice social worker are to assist with case management, counsel terminally ill patients and/or their loved ones, and general support. This allows the patient to achieve continuity of care throughout the hospice journey.
As case manager, I help the patient and their family access support services such as volunteers, in-home services, chaplain services, companions and other community resources to help a patient remain in their own home if that is their wish. Sometimes patients and families need long-term placement for end of life care. I can assist with financial questions and facility placement. Our hospice continues patient care in the facility as well as the patient’s home.
As counselor, I support the dying patient’s wishes and assist in resolving life issues that may not have been addressed. Sometimes it is hard to deal with the reality of impending death. Counseling and being a good listener allows people to freely speak about their fears, hopes, and beliefs around the death and dying journey. Family members of dying patients often begin grieving well before the patient’s death. I offer bereavement support to the family and friends, while helping them to find positive ways of coping with their impending loss as a part of the hospice experience. Our bereavement program continues to support the loved ones for at least one year following the patient’s death.
General support fills in gaps as the patient or family may need help achieving due to being overwhelmed, having to work, and caring for others in the family. One example is setting up respite care, which allows caregivers time to relax, take a walk, or take care of matters outside of the home.
People ask me, “How do you do this on a daily basis?” I would say, my desire to help people achieve their wishes is not always easy and I do believe this job is not for everyone. Fortunately for me, it is an honor to work for Pike County Hospice.
Donna Ellison
Pike County Hospice Social Worker