Granite VNA News

By Mary Devlin, MSW, Home Care

Granite VNA’s Home Care Medical Social Workers serve all 82 communities within the agency’s catchment area. Our Social Workers are in a unique position of being able to complete home visits to provide a variety of information to help patients and caregivers navigate the complexities of the medical care system and learn about available community-based resources. 

They help Home Care patients and caregivers by providing a thorough assessment of patient needs, support systems in place, and emotional capacity. Based on their assessment, Social Workers make recommendations and provide education on available community-based resources such as: 
• Financial Assistance Programs
• Transportation
• Housing
• Legal Aid
• Town and Government Assistance

Our team can provide short-term behavioral health support and connect patients to outpatient counseling or caregiver support groups.

Social Workers are also knowledgeable about possible long-term care options such as:
• Palliative Care
• Hospice Care
• Nursing Homes
• Assisted Living Facilities. 

Our team facilitates family discussions regarding care options for a loved one to help support their goal of staying at home or seeking a higher level of care in a facility. They can assist with reviewing paperwork or completing applications on the patient’s behalf. Social Workers pride themselves in working together towards patient and family goals.

I often say, “It’s a good time to call a Social Worker when you are wondering, ‘Where do I go to for….’” A Social Worker can lead you in the right direction to get your questions answered about what may be available to you and your family.

If someone on service requires a home visit from our Medical Social Workers, they can contact their primary care physician office or any clinician from Granite VNA.