Do I Know I Need A Social Worker?
You will find social workers in all program areas in VA medical centers who are ready to help you with most any need. If you have questions or problems, the social worker will be able to help you or can refer you to the right person for help. Here are just some of the ways that VA social workers can help:
Financial or housing assistance
Getting help from the VA or from community agencies, such as Meals on Wheels, so you can continue to live in your own home
Applying for benefits from the VA, Social Security and other government and community programs
Making sure your doctor and other VA staff on your treatment team know your decisions about end-of-life issues, generally called advance directives and living wills. Things like whether you want to be on life support equipment, whether you are an organ donor, and which family member or other person you have chosen to make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to make those decisions yourself
Arranging for respite care for your caregiver so she or he can have a break or go on vacation without worrying about who will be caring for you
If you are having marriage or family problems
If you would like help with moving to an assisted living facility, a board and care home or a nursing home.
If someone close to you has passed away and you want to talk about it
If you have problems with drinking or drug use
If you feel that someone is taking advantage of you or if you feel mistreated in a relationship
If you are a parent who feels overwhelmed with child care
If your parent or spouse is in failing health
If you are feeling stress because of your health or because your medical condition interferes with your daily activities
If you are feeling sad, depressed or anxious
If you really aren’t sure what you need, but things just don’t feel right