River Region Hospice :: Addressing Social Needs

Addressing Social Needs

Skilled at assessing then addressing the ever-changing needs and concerns of each guest, the social worker meets with the patient and family to complete the initial psychosocial assessment. This appraisal serves to foresee, identify, and organize the issues, needs, and concerns shared by those facing serious illness. Lifting unnecessary burden promotes emotional well-being and healthy relationships. A family is given an opportunity for quality time together.

Quality time, coupled with the compassionate and skillful River Region Hospice staff, create a peaceful and rewarding hospice journey. The social worker’s level of involvement is reflective of the wishes of each guest. Our social service staff is available to provide requested services and support.

Our social workers are experienced in assisting with:

Creating advanced directives - Making decisions in advanced safeguards that the decision-making process is given adequate time and reflection. Executing a living ensures that important treatment decisions are made thoughtfully and without the stress of having to make such decisions in the moment and without the input of family or friends.

Designating a Medical Power Of Attorney – Designating a Medical Power of Attorney guarantees that you choose the person making medical decisions for you if you are unable.
Implementing a Living Will – Creating a Living Will is an effective and efficient way of communicating your wishes for situations when it would otherwise be impossible. Declaring your decisions beforehand ensures those involved in your care that your wishes are known and honored.
Developing a Last Will and Testament – A Last Will and Testament grants peace of mind that your wishes are understood and respected.

Addressing caregiving concerns

Promoting the mental health of caregivers while avoiding caregiver fatigue
Links to and information regarding sitter services – Someone requiring more assistance than available, but wants to remain home, may consider hiring a sitter.
Access to our volunteer services - A trained hospice volunteer may be able to sit with the patient while the caregiver goes to the mall, salon, or catches a Saints’ Game.
Links to appropriate community resources

Navigating government-sponsored programs

Parish Transportation Service
Meals-on-Wheels
Food Stamps
Council on Aging
The Veterans Administration
The Social Security Administration
Medicare & Medicaid

Making Final Arrangements

Providing education regarding final arrangements
Arranging for an Anatomical Donation

Applying for assistance with paying for final arrangements

Emergency Preparedness

Hurricane Evacuation Assistance

Jefferson Parish Government-Assisted Evacuation & Return Process (504-736-6086; 504-349-5360) During a mandatory hurricane evacuation, Jefferson Parish Regional Transit Authority will transport residents without any other means of transportation to an evacuation registration site. Residents with special needs may be eligible for specialized transportation.
Orleans Parish Government-Assisted Evacuation Plan (311 or 504-658-4000) During a mandatory hurricane evacuation, Orleans Parish Regional Transit Authority will transport residents without any other means of transportation to an evacuation registration site. Residents with special needs may be eligible for specialized transportation. Call for more information.