Did you know HOPE, Inc. is home to the only social workers dedicated specifically to oncology in our region? Pretty cool, right? But what exactly IS an "oncology social worker"? What do they do? How can they help a patient undergoing cancer treatment?
Oncology social workers help persons with cancer and their loved ones in many ways:
They help individuals ~
* Access information to help understand diagnoses and treatments
* Cope with diagnoses and the emotions experienced
* Plan for the logistics of cancer care
* Apply for programs that offer assistance
* Find temporary housing during treatment
We can offer ~
* Counseling for patients and their loved ones
* Assessments of distress and suggestions for coping
* Information about available support groups and educational programs
* Referrals to community resources
* Information about national resources
* Planning and facilitation of support groups
We can teach about ~
* Communicating with treatment team
* Reducing stress and relaxation skills
* Coping with emotions such as sadness, fear, anger and worry
* Talking with children, family, friends or co-workers
* The basics of hospice care
* Living with cancer
* Life as a cancer survivor
At HOPE we do all of this and more for local oncology patients. We are champions for interventions that enhance the quality of life and survivorship of those we work with. We are extremely fortunate that we also have our own patient services programs to directly assist patients with practical and emotional needs.
Our social workers are licensed in the state of Arkansas, which means they have degrees in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, have successfully completed Board approved examinations, and have undergone a criminal background check. They are also members of the professional organization Association of Oncology Social Workers (AOSW). AOSW's 1100+ members embrace the mission "to advance excellence in the psychosocial care of persons with cancer, their families, and caregivers through networking, education, advocacy, research and resource development."
HOPE is a community leader in the psychosocial care of persons with cancer - and our social workers make it happen.
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