"How do I talk to my mother about the fact that she is dying? Should I tell her?"
	"I am worried about my son who is so close to his grandfather......how can I help him?"
	"When should I begin thinking about burial arrangements and who should I call?"

At Hospice of the Chesapeake, social workers talk with patients and families to make sure they receive the support they need and that their day-to-day problems are addressed.

	Counsel and support patients and those who love and care for them;
	Help patients and families organize a support system;
	Arrange for individual counseling sessions as needed;
	Identify community resources;
	Provide a "safety net" for emotional reactions to illness/death;
	Help to find financial aid when needed;
	Assist in planning for future needs;
	Share stress-management skills;
	Assist in resolving family conflicts;
	Show families how to help children understand sickness, death and dying;
	Coordinate family meetings; and
	Most important, social workers LISTEN - without making judgments.