Hospice of the Chesapeake's social workers are experienced guides through the many complex emotional and practical issues that are part of serious illness and death.

Families have important questions:

• 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? 
• Who do 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.

Social Workers:

• 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.