Medical Social Work

Our Social Worker Can Help!

Struggling with Life’s Challenges?

Are you or a loved one finding it difficult to manage life’s challenges? You’re not alone. Anxiety, depression, and significant life changes can feel overwhelming, especially as we age. At RealityCare Nursing And Therapy, our social workers are dedicated to providing the support seniors and their caregivers need. If you or someone close to you is facing any of these challenges, don’t hesitate to contact RealityCare Nursing And Therapy and schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate social workers. You don’t have to face these obstacles by yourself; we’re here to help.

Caring, Compassionate Support

Who Can Benefit from Social Work?

Social workers are trained professionals dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals and communities facing personal challenges. They aim to promote social welfare and support people from all walks of life. Groups who benefit most from social work services include:

Regardless of your background or circumstances, we are confident that our social work services can be a valuable resource for you and your family.

Guidance for Families

Understanding the Role of Social Workers

If you’re unfamiliar with social work, it’s a dynamic field where professionals support individuals based on unique needs. Social workers listen, assess, identify struggles, and offer guidance to improve clients’ situations. At RealityCare Nursing And Therapy, our social workers coordinate care during and after treatment, acting as a bridge between patients and the healthcare system. They help families navigate medical care complexities and ensure the support patients need.

Specializing in senior care, our social workers understand the unique challenges older adults face and work to enhance their quality of life. Whether offering post-treatment support or assisting with healthcare resources, we provide compassionate, practical guidance.

Mental Wellness Care

Mental Health Support for Seniors

Did you know that professional social workers make up one of the largest groups of mental health service providers in the U.S.? According to Health Affairs, “social workers are often the sole mental health care providers in many rural and remote communities. There are more clinically trained social workers than psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses combined.”

Feelings of isolation are common for individuals facing mental health challenges, but you are not alone. Here are a few important statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health:

1 in 5 seniors in the U.S. will experience a mental health issue in any given year.

By age 40, about 50% of people will have or have had a mental illness.
Approximately 20% of older adults are affected by a mental health condition.

At RealityCare Nursing And Therapy, our social workers are here to connect you or your loved ones with essential mental health resources. Managing mental health issues can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find the support you need.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does a Medical Social Worker Do?
A medical social worker offers emotional and practical support to patients and families facing acute, chronic, or terminal illnesses. They assist with accessing programs and benefits, coordinate care among healthcare providers, help manage transitions between care settings, and provide mental health counseling to support overall well-being.
Can a Medical Social Worker Help Me Apply for Disability Benefits?
Yes, medical social workers are knowledgeable about state and federal disability programs. They assist patients in completing applications, gathering medical documentation, and appealing denied claims for programs like Social Security Disability Insurance, Veterans Disability Benefits, and others.
How Does Skilled Nursing Care at Home Differ from Hospital or Nursing Facility Care?
Medical social workers guide patients in expressing their future healthcare wishes, including resuscitation preferences, choosing surrogate decision-makers, and setting goals of care. By documenting these choices, they help ease the burden of difficult decisions for families later on.
Do I Need a Referral to Meet with a Medical Social Worker?
Typically, your primary care doctor or specialist will provide a referral to connect you with a medical social worker, ensuring your care is well-coordinated. However, some healthcare centers may allow you to schedule appointments directly with a social worker if needed.
How Does a Medical Social Worker Help with Discharge Planning?
Medical social workers ensure safe and smooth discharges from hospitals to home or other care facilities. They arrange medical equipment, medications, home health services, transportation, and follow-up care to support a successful transition.
What Kind of Counseling Does a Medical Social Worker Provide?
Medical social workers offer counseling to help patients and family caregivers manage emotions like grief, fear, anxiety, and depression that often arise when facing illness. They also support healthy family communication and teach effective coping strategies.
Are Services from a Medical Social Worker Covered by Insurance?
Many health insurance plans do cover medical social work services, though coverage can vary based on your individual benefits. It’s best to contact your insurance provider to confirm what’s included and to understand any potential out-of-pocket costs.

Support Through Challenges

Are You Facing Overwhelming Challenges?

At RealityCare Nursing And Therapy, our social workers offer dedicated support to seniors and their caregivers. No matter how big or small the challenges you’re facing, we’re here to help you navigate them with care and compassion. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and let us support you on your journey to better well-being.

Your Next Steps…

Initial Call

After receiving your request, we’ll contact you to discuss your specific needs, walk you through our process, and collect essential information, including your doctor’s details and insurance coverage.

Insurance & Referral Confirmation

Our team will reach out to your doctor to secure the required order for care and verify your insurance benefits to confirm coverage. We take care of all the details, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.

Treatment Plan & Scheduling

Once everything is confirmed, we’ll contact you to review your customized treatment plan and arrange your in-home appointment at a time that’s most convenient for you.

Stay Active & Injury-Free! Begin Your Journey Today!

Care You Trust

Caring for Neighborhoods Throughout Chicagoland

RealityCare Nursing and Therapy provides high-quality home health services throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. Our compassionate team is dedicated to delivering expert care in the comfort of your home. Explore the areas we serve below: